What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to synthesize evidence on the association between prescribed benzodiazepines and suicidal behaviors.

March 7, 2026BMC PsychiatryOpen Access

Prescribed benzodiazepines and suicidal behaviors: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and clinical implications

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Systematic review reports an elevated risk of suicidal behaviors in those prescribed benzodiazepines, suggesting urgent safety considerations.

This study aims to synthesize evidence on the association between prescribed benzodiazepines and suicidal behaviors.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
Analyzed studies published in PubMed from 2016 to 2025 and earlier works from a previous review.
Calculated pooled estimates using a random-effects model and evaluated publication bias with Egger’s test.
Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.
Benzodiazepine use was associated with a significantly elevated risk of suicide with a pooled effect size of 2.74 (95% CI: 2.06–3.63).
Participants using prescribed benzodiazepines had more than twice the likelihood of experiencing suicide attempts or completions.

Hamadieh et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Systematic review reports an elevated risk of suicidal behaviors in those prescribed benzodiazepines, suggesting urgent safety considerations.