Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Via Mail for Cessation of Benzodiazepine Use: A Series of Case Reports

Jannette M Parr; David J Kavanagh; Ross Young; Barbara Stubbs; Nick Bradizza

doi:10.1017/bec.2013.7

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Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Via Mail for Cessation of Benzodiazepine Use: A Series of Case Reports

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Via Mail for Cessation of Benzodiazepine Use: A Series of Case Reports

Jannette M Parr, David J Kavanagh, Ross Young, Barbara Stubbs and Nick Bradizza

Behaviour Change, Vol.30(2), pp.74-83

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/bec.2013.7

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Abstract

Behaviour Change

correspondence

cognitive-behaviour therapy

general practitioner

mailed intervention

self-managed

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed to manage sleep disorders, anxiety and muscular tension. While providing short-term relief, continued use induces tolerance and withdrawal, and in older users, increases the risk of falls. However, long-term prescription remains common, and effective interventions are not widely available. This study developed a self-managed cognitive behaviour therapy package for cessation of benzodiazepine use delivered to participants via mail (M-CBT) and trialled its effectiveness as an adjunct to a general practitioner (GP)-managed dose reduction schedule. In the pilot trial, participants were randomly assigned to GP management with immediate or delayed M-CBT. Significant recruitment and engagement problems were experienced, and only three participants were allocated to each condition. After immediate M-CBT, two participants ceased use, while none receiving delayed treatment reduced daily intake by more than 50%. Across the sample, doses at 12 months remained significantly lower than baseline, and qualitative feedback from participants was positive. While M-CBT may have promise, improved engagement of GPs and participants is needed for this approach to substantially impact on community-wide benzodiazepine use.

Details

Title: Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Via Mail for Cessation of Benzodiazepine Use: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Jannette M Parr (Author) - University of Queensland
David J Kavanagh (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Ross Young (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Barbara Stubbs (Author) - Queensland Health
Nick Bradizza (Author) - Queensland Health
Publication details: Behaviour Change, Vol.30(2), pp.74-83; 10
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
DOI: 10.1017/bec.2013.7
ISSN: 2049-7768
Organisation Unit: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation); University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99550995402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Clinical

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