After what duration does benzodiazepine treatment for anxiety become ineffective?

Benzodiazepines can be effective for managing acute anxiety symptoms, but their efficacy may diminish over time, particularly with prolonged use. Evidence suggests that after four months of continuous treatment, the likelihood of developing tolerance increases significantly. Tolerance can lead to diminished therapeutic effects, meaning that the same dosage may not provide the same level of relief as it once did.

This is particularly critical in mental health treatment, as reliance on benzodiazepines can also increase the risk of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Therefore, the knowledge that four months marks a point where treatment efficacy may start waning is important for both clinical decision-making and patient management. Balancing the use of benzodiazepines with alternative therapies or periodic reassessment after this time frame is essential to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of anxiety treatment while minimizing risks.