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Aims Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZ-RAs) are frequently prescribed to treat insomnia; however, their long-term use is not recommended. To introduce an appropriate pharmaco-therapy, the current state and background factors of BZ-RAs' dependence must be elucidated. In this study, we developed a Japanese version of the Benzodiazepine Dependence Self-Report Questionnaire (Bendep-SRQ-J) and conducted a study of BZ-RAs' use disorder. Methods The Bendep-SRQ-J was created with permission from the original developer. Subjects were inpatients and outpatients receiving BZ-RAs between 2012 and 2013. Clinical data collected were Bendep-SRQ-J scores, sleep disorders for which BZ-RAs were prescribed, physical comorbidities, psychotropic drugs, and lifestyle factors. Logistic analysis was performed to extract factors associated with severe symptoms. Results Of the 707 patients prescribed BZ-RAs, 324 had voluntarily tapered or discontinued their drugs. Logistic analysis showed that the total number of drugs administered in the last 6 months correlated with both worsening of symptoms or conditions. This was more notable among younger patients, and the proportion of patients with severe symptoms or conditions increased with the increasing number of drugs. Conclusion Using the Bendep-SRQ-J, we elucidated the current state of BZ-RA dependence. Nearly half of the patients were non-compliant. The proportion of patients with severe symptoms or disease conditions increased with the increase in the number of drugs administered. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of the likelihood of benzodiazepine dependence, especially in young patients and patients prescribed multiple hypnotics.

Yohei Takaoka,1,2 Rie Akaho,1 Ken Inada,1 Hiroyuki Muraoka,1 Choryo Hokama,1 Atsuko Inoue,1 Katsuji Nishimura1 1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Psychiatry, Kuki Suzunoki Hospital, Kuki, Saitama, JapanCorrespondence: Rie AkahoDepartment of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, JapanEmail akaho.rie@twmu.ac.jpAbstract: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome that presents as transient cerebral edema (vasogenic edema), usually on a background of hypertensive encephalopathy, puerperal eclampsia, or immunosuppressant drug use. We describe a case of PRES that arose in the context of a psychiatric disorder. The patient was a 26-year-old woman with schizophrenia who was hospitalized upon falling into a catatonic stupor and then suffered acute anxiety leading to impulsive polydipsia and subsequent water intoxication. She lost consciousness, and brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high density area, primarily affecting the cortex and subcortical white matter in areas in the occipital and parietal lobes, leading to the diagnosis. We did not treat the hyponatremia by means of aggressive sodium supplementation but rather balanced the extracellular fluid by continuous infusion of isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid. The patient’s level of consciousness improved gradually, but a total 141 days passed before hospital discharge was appropriate. The prognosis for PRES is generally favorable, but irreversible neurological damage can occur. We believe, therefore, that brain magnetic resonance imaging should be performed promptly whenever PRES is suspected and that timely, appropriate treatment is of utmost importance. If PRES is observed in a psychiatric patient, it is important to investigate whether the condition might have been caused by water intoxication and to treat the condition accordingly.Keywords: posterior reversible encephalopath

Yuta Anraku,1 Rie Akaho,1 Satoko Matsui,1 Akihito Sannomiya,2 Shohei Fuchinoue,2 Katsuji Nishimura1 1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Surgery, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Rie AkahoDepartment of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, JapanEmail akaho.rie@twmu.ac.jpAbstract: Information regarding new-onset posttransplant psychotic disorders and their effect on nonadherence and posttransplant outcome is quite limited. We report a case of new-onset posttransplant schizophrenia that led to death. The patient, a woman with Wilson disease but no history of psychiatric problems or a substance use disorder had undergone liver transplantation at age 21. She married subsequently and bore children, being well able to handle her housework, child care, and full-time employment. She continued her medications as prescribed, and good graft function was maintained. At age 41, she experienced an episode of schizophrenia, then graft loss associated with nonadherence to immunosuppressive agents. Death ensued, occurring 6 months after the onset of schizophrenia. This case highlights the possibility that schizophrenia manifesting long after liver transplantation can result in graft loss and death due to medication nonadherence. Thus, awareness of the possibility of this rare clinical scenario is critical.Keywords: schizophrenia, liver transplantation, graft loss