The Prescription Pattern in the Treatment of Acute Insomnia among Rural Physicians as per the NICE Guidelines

ABSTRACT

Insomnia is one of the most disabling disorders afflicting the society, with a staggering emotional and economical impact. Most of the patients consult physicians rather than consulting the psychiatrist at the first point of contact and hence, we have planned to take up this study to know as to how many physicians treat acute insomnia as per the guidelines. To study and compare the prescription pattern among rural physicians in treating acute insomnia as per the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Seventy five physicians in the rural areas were given a questionnaire and were given enough time to fill it. Later on, all the questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Physicians in rural areas: 65 physicians prescribed the short acting benzodiazepine group, 9 physicians prescribed the z-class of drugs and 01 physician prescribed anti-histaminic. The NICE guidelines state that for the treatment of acute insomnia, the drug of choice is the Z-class of drugs. In our study, most of the physicians practicing in the rural areas need to have awareness campaigns and medical educational programs regarding the treatment of acute insomnia.

 Keywords: Acute insomnia, benzodiazepine.