1st April 2022

A 28-year-old woman attends a GP appointment. She was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder

A 28-year-old woman attends a GP appointment. She was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) two years ago and has managed her condition with a combination of psychosocial interventions, and the medication sertraline. She has recently experienced an exacerbation of her symptoms, having frequent episodes of acute anxiety during the day and not being able to sleep at night due to feeling anxious and overwhelmed whenever she tries falling asleep. She asks if she can be prescribed “some Valium” (i.e. diazepam).

Which of the following statements about the use of benzodiazepines in GAD is true?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.