D J Oberholzer | PubMed Health

PubMed1985

A sound basis for the use of benzodiazepines.

The benzodiazepines are among the most widely prescribed of all drugs and are generally thought to be safe. A review of the pertinent research done in North America, the UK and Europe on their clinical use is presented. Major indications for the use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders are discussed, as well as some differential indications for various benzodiazepines including their use in neurological disorders. Finally the question of whether benzodiazepines are overused is addressed and some principles regarding a sound basis for their administration are put forward.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1983

The crisis--identification and intervention.

The characteristics of a crisis include a wide range of human behaviour, usually symptomatic of an inability to cope with specific life situations. Once the client is able to negotiate his crisis, the therapist should be accepting, warm and empathic. He should help the client to focus on the problems causing the crisis, and help should be reality-orientated. He should define his responsibilities and those of the client in the therapeutic contract and help the client to structure a realistic stepladder approach to recovery and even personality growth. Follow-up encounters may also be contracted. If the client suffers severe distress, medication with psychotropic agents or a brief spell of hospitalization may be required.

Crisis Intervention↗