Development and acceptability of a decision aid for anxiety disorder considering discontinuation of benzodiazepine anxiolytic.

AIM: We aimed to develop a decision aid (DA) for individuals with anxiety disorders who consider tapering benzodiazepine (BZD) anxiolytics, and if tapering, tapering BZD anxiolytics with or without cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety. We also assessed its acceptability among stakeholders.

METHODS: First, we conducted a literature review regarding anxiety disorders to determine treatment options. We cited the results of the systematic review and meta-analysis, which we conducted previously, to describe the related outcomes of two options: tapering BZD anxiolytics with CBT and tapering BZD anxiolytics without CBT. Second, we developed a DA prototype in accordance with the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. We carried out a mixed methods survey to assess the acceptability among stakeholders including those with anxiety disorders and healthcare providers.

RESULTS: Our DA provided information such as explanation of anxiety disorders, options of tapering or not tapering BZD anxiolytics (if tapering, the options of tapering BZD anxiolytics with or without CBT) for anxiety disorder, benefits and risks of each option, and a worksheet for value clarification. For patients ( n  = 21), the DA appeared to be acceptable language (86%), adequate information (81%), and well-balanced presentation (86%). The developed DA was also acceptable for healthcare providers ( n  = 10).

CONCLUSION: We successfully created a DA for individuals with anxiety disorders who consider tapering BZD anxiolytics, which was acceptable for both patients and healthcare providers. Our DA was designed to assist patients and healthcare providers to involve decision-making about whether to taper BZD anxiolytics or not.