Suicide as a result of benzodiazepine dependence

Overview

We warn of risk of long-term use benzidiazepine drugs (bromazepam in our case) in high doses because of risk of disturbance cognitive functions and even possibility of toxic psychosis in a case report from autor’s forensic psychiatry practice.

Abrupt discontinuance a benzodiazepine drug can be very danger in patients with benzodiazepine dependence because of arise withdrawal with epileptic seisures, delirium or psychosis, which conduced to suicide in our case.

We warn against a long term prescribing of benzodiazepines in high doses in conclusion. We emphasize necessity of specialized treatment in case of detoxification of patients with benzodiazepine dependence. A short term hospitalization in a detoxification ward is the best way in these cases.

Key words:
benzodiazepines - dependence - withdrawal - toxic psychosis - suicide - forensic expertise.