Evaluating the use of benzodiazepines following recent bereavement.

Abstract

There is no evidence to support current advice not to use benzodiazepines after bereavement. To determine the role of benzodiazepines in the management of bereavement. 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. 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). We found no evidence of a positive or negative effect of benzodiazepines on the course of bereavement.