Benzodiazepine use by women prisoners: Association with personality disorder and behavioural dyscontrol

Benzodiazepine use is common in women prisoners and causes considerable concern to prison authorities. This article outlines some of the factors involved in benzodiazepine use and dependence, and presents results from a pilot study on benzodiazepine use/abuse in women prisoners. The doses used and the frequency of paradoxical effects are highlighted. The results suggest that particular personality types may be more at risk of such effects. Further study is needed to determine whether benzodiazepine use plays a role in offending behaviour. It is suggested that the medical profession should pay greater attention to prescribing practice in this area.