Biodiversité, santé et maladies infectieuses : une thématique complexe trop souvent simplifiée
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: The effectiveness of benzodiazepines and related hypnotics has led to their widespread prescription since they were introduced in the 1960s. However, their use is associated with frequent adverse effects. Objective: To explore the factors contributing to the persistence of chronic benzodiazepine and related hypnotic prescriptions in general practice, as well as the barriers and facilitators to deprescribing. Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted with ten general practitioners (GPs) practicing in the former Lower Normandy region of France. Participants were purposively recruited to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age, practice location and setting, years in practice, and academic affiliation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo® software. Results: GPs reported that most chronic prescriptions originated from treatments initiated long ago, often by other physicians or in complex clinical contexts such as alcohol withdrawal or polypharmacy. They described considerable ambivalence between the perceived effectiveness of benzodiazepines and awareness of their risks, particularly iatrogenic harm and dependence. The main barriers to deprescribing included patients’ attachment to treatment, fear of symptom recurrence, limited consultation time, poor access to mental health resources, and the complexity of managing older patients. Identified facilitators included cautious initiation of treatment, gradual dose tapering, repeated discussions about deprescribing over time, the use of therapeutic alternatives, and a trusting doctor–patient relationship. GPs also suggested improvements focusing on professional education, health care organization, and better patient information. Conclusion: Deprescribing benzodiazepines and related hypnotics in primary care faces multiple barriers arising from patient characteristics, GP prescribing practices, and the organization of the health care system. Multifaceted interventions combining professional training, clinical decision-support tools, patient information resources, and greater recognition of the consultation time required for deprescribing could promote a more systematic reduction in chronic prescribing.
Source: Environnement Risques Santé
Authors: Jean-françois Guégan, France Wallet
Language: French
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214085113