Revisiting benzodiazepines (GABA Enhancers):A transdiagnostic and precision medicine approach

Stefano Pallanti*, Joseph Zohar, Siegfried Kasper, Hans Jürgen Möller, Eric Hollander

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since the mid 1980's, there has been an increased focus on the side effects of benzodiazepines (GABA enhancers), and as a result there has been a decrease in their use. We have systematically reviewed recent studies of GABA enhancers in psychiatry, and highlight evidence of their utility which may impact their negative conceptualization in clinical practice. We propose a new perspective on the appropriate use of these medications and describeclinical reasoning underpinning the use of benzodiazepine (GABA enhancers) based on their effect on specific receptors. A translational approach, involving a more comprehensive characterization of GABA receptors and their neuroscience-based mechanisms allows for a more precise use of this medication class. By adopting a precision person-centered approach, instead of a categorical approach, supports the prescribing of GABA enhancers when a cross-cutting transdiagnostic assessment shows anxiety symptoms associated with clinical impairment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-72
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research
Volume170
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Benzodiazepines
  • GABA enhancers
  • Precision medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychopharmacology

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