저널

Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), can severely affect an individual’s quality of life and daily functioning. This study examines and compares both domestic and in ternational clinical guidelines regarding the prescription of benzodiazepines (BZDs) for these conditions. Al though guidelines recognize the quick anxiolytic effects of BZDs, they consistently recommend against their use as a first-line treatment due to concerns about dependence, cognitive decline, falls, and withdrawal symp toms. Instead, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibi tors (SNRIs) are recommended as the primary treatments, with BZDs reserved for short-term adjunctive use, particularly during the initial phase of antidepressant therapy or in cases resistant to other treatments. However, clinical practice often diverges from these guidelines due to individual patient factors, the urgency of symptom relief, or issues with treatment accessibility. To enhance care and ensure safety in the use of BZDs for anxiety disorders, it is essential to continuously update national guidelines and develop patient-centered strategies that align with international standards. (Anxiety and Mood 2025;21(2):35-41)

Benzodiazepine; Panic disorder; Generalized anxiety disorder; Clinical guidelines.