Benzodiazepine Prescribing Patterns Following Mass Traumatic Events

How did benzodiazepine prescribing patterns change following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, and what do the findings suggest about clinical decision-making during mass trauma?In this cohort study of nearly 4 million individuals, benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 219% in the first week after October 7, 2023, with first-time prescriptions increasing by 1021%. Primary care physicians issued 92.5% of new prescriptions, although trauma-focused guidelines generally advise caution with benzodiazepine use.Findings of this study suggest that the substantial increase in benzodiazepine prescribing, particularly in primary care settings, highlights the tension between clinical guidelines and frontline care realities during mass trauma events, underscoring the need for crisis-oriented support systems for primary care physicians.

Corresponding Author: Ofer Rahamim, PhD, Geha Mental Health Centre, 1 Helsinki St, Petach Tikva, Israel 4951703 (oferrh@gmail.com).

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