Research Article

Evaluation of Benzodiazepine Prescribing Practices in a Mental Health Center in Senegal

Authors: Sokhna Seck, Véliscas, El Hadj Makhtar Ba, Momar Camara, Ibrahima Ndiaye, Idrissa Ba, Maimouna Dieye, Oumar Samba, Papa Lamine Faye.

DOI: 10.33425/2641-4317.1232

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Abstract

Introduction: Benzodiazepines and related drugs are widely used in psychiatry for their anxiolytic, hypnotic, and sedative properties. Despite international recommendations limiting their use to short durations, prescribing practices in low-resource settings like Senegal remain poorly documented. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of benzodiazepine prescriptions in a psychiatric center in Senegal.

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Dalal Xel Mental Health Center in Thiès, based on medical records of outpatients seen between January 2022 and December 2023. Included were patients aged 15 years and older, diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, and who received a prescription for benzodiazepines or related drugs. Data were collected from patient records and analyzed descriptively using Epi Info 7.2.6.0.

Results: Out of 9,195 records reviewed, 1,722 patients (18.73%) received a prescription for benzodiazepines or related drugs. Most patients were female (58.65%) and aged between 15 and 34 years. The main psychiatric conditions associated with prescriptions were acute psychotic disorders (31.08%) and depressive disorders (16.34%). Alprazolam was the most prescribed drug (74.60%). In more than half of the cases, the initial dosage exceeded the recommended minimum. Treatment duration was over 12 weeks for 40.20% of patients, and abrupt discontinuation occurred in 76.58% of cases, often initiated by the patient. Therapeutic follow-up was very limited, with only 0.57% of patients seen within one week of starting treatment. Overall, adherence to clinical guidelines was low.

Discussion: These findings highlight the frequent yet often inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in this psychiatric center, with significant deviations from international recommendations regarding dosage, duration, discontinuation, and follow-up. They underscore the need for stricter prescribing protocols, better prescriber training, and enhanced patient monitoring.

Conclusion: The use of benzodiazepines at Dalal Xel Mental Health Center remains high and poorly aligned with good clinical practice. Targeted interventions are essential to improve prescription quality and reduce the associated risks in mental health care.

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