Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome (BZWS) Diagnosis
To use this or any of the remaining pamphlets, you should have successfully delivered Pamphlet #1 to your prescriber. If your prescriber has not responded positively to Pamphlet #1, the rest of these tools will probably not work for you, and you should seriously consider finding a new prescriber.
Unfortunately, most clinicians are unaware of the existence of BZWS. Pamphlet #2 is designed to help your clinician understand how to diagnose benzodiazepine dependence. It lists the key symptoms that appear during withdrawal and post-withdrawal. It also directs your clinician to a more detailed listing of the symptoms and the supporting medical literature.
Using the principles in the Pamphlet Communication Guide, you deliver Pamphlet #2 to your prescriber in the same manner as you delivered Pamphlet #1.
Step-by-step instructions for using this tool
STEP 1: Review Pamphlet #2: BZWS Diagnosis.
It is important for you to be able to identify which of the symptoms in Pamphlet #2 you have experienced or are currently experiencing.
View or print Pamphlet #2: BZWS Diagnosis HERE.
STEP 2: Refresh your understanding of the Pamphlet Communication Guide.
You already used this tool when you delivered Pamphlet #1. Review the Guide before presenting Pamphlet #2. Some prescribers may not be receptive to being told how to diagnose because that is expected to be part of their expertise. It is important to use the suggestions in the Guide for tactful delivery of this information. A reminder, the Pamphlet Communication Guide is for your use, and not to give to the prescriber.
View or print the Pamphlet Communication Guide HERE.
STEP 3: Review the Pamphlet Communication Guide Summary
This is the same tool you may have used with Pamphlet #1. This summary is for your use, and not to give to the prescriber.
View or print the Pamphlet Communication Guide Summary HERE.
STEP 4: Print Pamphlet #2: BZWS Diagnosis and the Pamphlet Communication Guide Summary and prepare for your appointment.
After completing steps 1-3, it is suggested that you print boththe Pamphlet and the Pamphlet Communication Guide Summary to take with you to your appointment with your prescriber. You can circle your symptoms on the pamphlet as a way of personalizing it for your experience. If you have experienced symptoms which are not listed in the pamphlet, write them in. At the appropriate time in the appointment, you will hand one copy of the Pamphlet to your prescriber. You keep the Pamphlet Communication Guide Summary in your own hands to remind you of what you could say and how to say it.