Evaluating the use of benzodiazepines following recent bereavement

Abstract

Background: There is no evidence to support current advice not to use benzodiazepines after bereavement. Aims: To determine the role of benzodiazepines in the management of bereavement. Method: We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the use of diazepam after recent bereavement. Participants were randomised to either 2 mg diazepam or identically packaged placebo up to three times daily. The primary outcome measure was the Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire. Results: Thirty subjects were randomised. No evidence was found of an effect of benzodiazepines on the course of the first 6 months of bereavement (estimated mean difference of combined follow- up assessments=0.3 in favour of placebo; 95% Cl -6.2 to +6.7). Conclusion: We found no evidence of a positive or negative effect of benzodiazepines on the course of bereavement. Declaration of interest: This study was funded by the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust.