Addictophobia in modern psychiatry (benzodiazepines and other psychopharmacological drugs)

Mendelevich V.D.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20191191275

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Abstract:

The paper analyzes clinical, epidemiological and pharmacological aspects of abuse of psychopharmacological medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants) and probability of drug dependence. Emphasis is placed on assessment of addictophobia phenomenon, an unreasonable fear of medication dependence, widespread not only among patients and their relatives but also in medical community. The problem of addictive potential of benzodiazepines, in particular, phenazepam, is specially studied. Based on clinical and pharmacological data and taking into account an elimination half-life, the conclusion about safety of phenazepam and low probability of dependence is made. The author notes that addictophobia reduces the compliance (adherence) to treatment. Ignorance of well-known criteria of the diagnosis of dependence is considered as a cause of addictophobia.

Keywords:

addictophobia

psychopharmacophobia

addictive potential

dependence

benzodiazepines

antidepressants

Z-drugs

anticonvulsants

Authors:

Mendelevich V.D.

Kazanskiĭ gosudarstvennyĭ meditsinskiĭ universitet

SPIN RSCI: 2302-2590
Scopus AuthorID: 6602765981
ResearcherID: O-4908-2016
ORCID: 0000-0001-8489-3130

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