Patterns and correlates of benzodiazepine use in the French general population.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of current use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and related drugs in the French general population and factors associated with this use.

Methods: National cross-sectional telephone survey conducted between 25 April 2001 and 8 May 2001 in a representative sample of non-institutionalized adults of BZD use and duration, prescriber specialty, socio-demographic data and mood and anxiety disorders, using a structured diagnostic interview.

Results: The prevalence of current use of BZD was 7.