The paper, titled “Facilitators and barriers to the deprescribing of benzodiazepines and z-drug hypnotics in patients under 65 on adult mental health wards,” explores the challenges clinicians face when reducing or stopping the use of commonly prescribed sedative medications in inpatient mental health settings.
Benzodiazepines and z-drug hypnotics are frequently used on adult mental health wards and can play a valuable role in short-term symptom management. However, the research highlights that these medications are often continued beyond the period in which they are clinically beneficial. Prolonged use can increase the risk of dependence and lead to withdrawal effects when the drugs are discontinued.
The study emphasises the importance of timely deprescribing to reduce these risks and improve patient outcomes. Despite this, the authors note that there is currently limited evidence identifying the factors that support or obstruct deprescribing practices on adult mental health wards.
By examining both facilitators and barriers to deprescribing in patients under the age of 65, the paper contributes valuable insight to an under-researched area. The findings have the potential to inform future clinical practice, policy development, and research aimed at promoting safer and more effective use of sedative medications in mental health care.
Citation
Filmer, S., Maidment, I. Facilitators and barriers to the deprescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drug hypnotics in patients under 65 on adult mental health wards. Sci Rep 15, 41420 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-25261-4