True or False: Benzodiazepines are appropriate for long-term anxiety treatment.

Benzodiazepines are generally not considered appropriate for long-term treatment of anxiety. While they can be effective for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms or in situations like panic attacks, their use over an extended period raises concerns, particularly regarding tolerance, dependence, and potential withdrawal symptoms.

The risk of developing a dependence on benzodiazepines increases with long-term use, leading to issues where individuals may find it difficult to discontinue the medication without experiencing withdrawal effects. Additionally, long-term use may not address the underlying causes of anxiety and can lead to diminished effectiveness over time due to tolerance.

In contrast, alternative approaches for long-term management of anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and certain antidepressants, are usually preferred. These methods can provide more sustainable, long-lasting relief from anxiety symptoms without the same risks associated with benzodiazepines.