A Survey on Persistent Impact of Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction

While acute benzodiazepine withdrawal has been documented, there is limited literature on benzodiazepine-induced neurological injuries that may lead to long-lasting symptoms and significant life consequences. In this study, an extensive internet survey was conducted in the years 2018-2019, targeting current and former benzodiazepine users to inquire about their symptoms and adverse life events associated with benzodiazepine usage. This secondary analysis involved 1,207 participants, gathered from benzodiazepine support groups and health/wellness websites. The survey explored 23 specific symptoms, and more than half of the respondents reported experiencing symptoms such as low energy, distractedness, memory loss, nervousness, and anxiety, with a duration lasting one year or more. The ongoing analysis of this comprehensive survey among benzodiazepine users revealed a significant prevalence of prolonged symptoms even after benzodiazepine use had ceased. Among all respondents, a remarkable 54.7% experienced 17 or more symptoms out of the 23 listed, with over 40% reporting these symptoms lasting "one year or longer." Notably, these persistent symptoms attributed to benzodiazepine use may manifest during usage, tapering, or even after discontinuation of the medication. Intriguingly, a subset of respondents who had fully discontinued benzodiazepines, including those who had been off the medication for a year or more, continued to endure adverse life consequences stemming from their previous benzodiazepine usage. These symptoms were often distinct from the conditions for which benzodiazepines were originally prescribed. BIND, as a term, holds practical value in the clinical context to identify and recognize the lasting neurological effects resulting from benzodiazepine use. By adopting this term, healthcare professionals can better conceptualize and acknowledge this condition, leading to improved understanding and management for affected individuals. The authors put forward the term "Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction" (BIND) to describe a cluster of distressing and persistent symptoms that significantly impede daily life functioning. It is crucial to recognize that not all individuals taking benzodiazepines will develop BIND, and further research is required to elucidate risk factors and thoroughly explore the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of this condition. Ritvo, A. D., Foster, D. E., Huff, C., Finlayson, A. R., Silvernail, B., & Martin, P. R. (2023). Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: