All data must be read in conjunction with the survey limitations.
The severity of the different symptom categories varied according to which stage in withdrawal respondents were in. There are a series of graphs below that show the average ratings for each symptoms group at each stage in withdrawal and recovery.
The most interesting trend shown by these graphs is the relationship between the musculoskeletal and neurological category of symptoms and the paradoxical and psychiatric symptoms. Before taking benzos the paradoxical and psychiatric symptoms were rated as being the worst. The musculoskeletal and neurological ones were rated very little different to the other symptoms. This difference was to be expected as most people were prescribed benzos for anxiety .
By the time respondents began their taper, the rating for the musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms was beginning to increase.
At the worst point in withdrawal the musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms were rated much the same as the paradoxical and psychiatric symptoms.
At the worst point in recovery musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms were rated as more severe than the paradoxical and psychiatric symptoms.
As respondents progressed through 12, 24 and 36 months off benzos, but not well, the musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms were becoming a more prominent problem compared to the paradoxical and psychiatric symptoms.
For those deciding to stay on benzos psychiatric and neurological symptoms were rated as more severe than the musculoskeletal and paradoxical categories.
Cardiovascular symptoms rated fifth in the list of worst symptoms category and the genitourinary symptoms category was the one that had the least adverse effect on respondents.