All data must be read in conjunction with the survey limitations.
In the December 2009 survey the biggest single reason for taking benzodiazepines was still anxiety. Fifty five percent took it for this reason. In June 2007 the corresponding figure was 51 percent.
Nineteen of the 21 percent who took benzodiazepines for a combination of reasons, cited anxiety as one of those reasons. Thus anxiety was a factor in taking benzodiazepines for 74% of the survey respondents.
Eight percent of respondents said they took benzodiazepines for reasons other than anxiety, insomnia, muscles relaxants and its anti - seizure properties. Many reasons were listed but some of the more common ones were blood pressure, pain, vertigo, to suppress problems caused by other meds, Restless Leg syndrome and self medication.