The determinants of benzodiazepine prescription at discharge from a psychiatric inpatient clinic

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the clinical and demographic determinants associated with receiving a benzodiazepine (BDZ) at discharge from a psychiatric inpatient clinic. We hypothesized that BDZ prescribing at discharge would be significantly related to specific demographic and clinical features rather than prescriber effects. Methods: This retrospective chart review comprised records of patients who were hospitalized between January 2014 and January 2016. Results: Of the 1017 patients analyzed, 32.9% (n=335) received a BDZ at discharge. The analysis resulted in three models predictive of BDZ prescription at discharge: age, the presence of suicidal attempt and primary diagnosis. We found that there is no impact of prescriber effects on receiving a BDZ at discharge. Conclusion: Our results indicate that BDZs are being prescribed frequently at discharge, and while prescribing appears to be influenced by diagnosis, suicidality and age. Clinicians need to be alert to potential confounders that may be affecting prescribing practices. In addition, the prescribers should take into account for their patient’s diagnosis, some clinical and demographic features when starting a BDZ at inpatient clinic. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(1.000): 36-42]