@article{ref1,
title="Cognitive effects of benzodiazepine use: a review",
journal="Australian psychologist",
year="2003",
author="Barker, Melinda J. and Jackson, Martin and Greenwood, Kenneth M. and Crowe, Simon F.",
volume="38",
number="3",
pages="202-213",
abstract="Benzodiazepines are among the most widely prescribed psychotropic drugs in the world. According to the Drug Utilisation Subcommittee (1999) in 2001 almost 7 million prescriptions were dispensed through pharmacies in Australia alone (excluding in-patient hospital prescribing). Benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety, insomnia and panic disorder. The existing literature examining the possible effects of long-term use of these drugs yields conflicting results. This paper reviews the available research on short- and long-term effects of benzodiazepines, focusing on the cognitive effects of long-term use. Evidence from studies employing CT scanning methods and studies investigating cognitive improvement following discontinuation are briefly reviewed. Implications for future responsible prescription of benzodiazepines are discussed.<p />",
language="en",
issn="0005-0067",
doi="10.1080/00050060310001707217",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00050060310001707217"
}