Table 1.
Key features of included BZD-withdrawal trials
| Study characteristics | Bashir et al, 199416 | Cormack et al, 199417 | Heather et al, 200418 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numberof participants | 109 | 222 | 284 |
| Setting; patients | UK general practice; patients with long-term BZD use | UK general practice; patients with long-term BZD use | UK general practice; patients with long-term BZD use |
| Follow-up | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Interventions | One consultation from GP+ self-help bookleta to reduce gradually/stop drug | Group 1: single letter from GPb; group 2: letterb + 4-monthly information sheetsa on reducing medication and coping with withdrawal | Group 1: letter from GP to reduce gradually/stop drugb; group 2: consultation and self-help bookleta |
| Comparison | Allowed to continue usual dose | Allowed to continue usual dose | Allowed to continue usual dose |
| Outcome measures | |||
| BZD usage | Prescription records | Prescription records | Prescription records |
| Health questionnaire | GHQ | – | GHQ and SF-36 |
| Methodological quality of studies | |||
| Adequate randomisation? | Yes (used date of birth with baseline equality) | Yes | Yes |
| Baseline similarity? | No | Unclear | Yes |
| Groups treated equally? | Yes | Unclear | Unclear |
| Loss to follow-up | 3.7% (BZD reduction), 15% (GHQ) | 5.8% | 3.9% (BZD reduction), 30% (GHQ) |
| Outcomes measures blind or objective? | Unblinded but objective prescription records | Unblinded but objective prescription records | Unblinded but objective prescription records |
a
Sample not provided
b
sample provided.
BZD = benzodiaze epines. GHQ = general health questionnaire.
SF = short-form.