1. [The disinvestment of benzodiazepines: what aspects contributed to the decision to discontinue reimbursement?]
- Author
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Rotteveel AH, Lambooij MS, and de Wit GA
- Subjects
- Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders drug therapy, Benzodiazepines adverse effects, Humans, Netherlands, Anti-Anxiety Agents adverse effects, Sleep Wake Disorders, Substance-Related Disorders
- Abstract
Long-term usage of benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleeping disorders results in a decline in effectiveness and an increase in the risk of dependence and side-effects over time. For this reason, in 2009, benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleeping disorders were disinvested (i.e. reimbursement was discontinued) in the Netherlands. Several factors contributed to disinvestment: the broad support from involved actors for disinvestment, the possibility to keep reimbursing benzodiazepines for patients groups for whom long-term use is indicated, patient groups that were not well organized, and the fact that long-term benzodiazepine use for anxiety and sleeping disorders is not medically necessary as well as ineffective. In the first year following disinvestment, the usage of benzodiazepines decreased with 15%. In subsequent years, usage stabilized, after which it decreased again.
- Published
- 2021