Talking therapy may help seniors kick the benzodiazepine habit
NCT ID NCT06119308
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed to help older adults (55+) safely reduce or stop their use of benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety but can be risky with age. Seventeen participants received the therapy alongside a medication tapering plan over 10 weeks. The study measured how feasible and acceptable the program was, as well as changes in benzodiazepine use, sleep quality, and anxiety levels.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a practical, non-drug way to help older adults reduce their reliance on benzodiazepines for sleep and anxiety.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 17 participants and no comparison group, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention requires active participation and may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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