EP100 - Benzodiazepine Dependency_ A Clinical Assessment

This podcast is based on clinical scenarios from the official AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment published by the Australian Medical Council. All cases are used solely for study and discussion. We provide personal learning insights and clinical interpretations to support AMC candidates in developing their clinical reasoning skills. The AMC Handbook is the intellectual property of the Australian Medical Council. To access the official material, please visit the AMC website.

This episode outlines a simulated medical scenario where a doctor must assess a 25-year-old man requesting a repeat prescription for oxazepam (Serepax), a benzodiazepine. The core challenge presented is to identify potential benzodiazepine dependency and manage the patient's request appropriately, emphasising the risks associated with long-term use and sudden cessation. The scenario requires the examining candidate to take a focused history, outline the nature of the problem (overuse/dependency), and propose a management plan that likely involves a gradual reduction of the medication, rather than simply refilling the prescription or abruptly stopping it. The overall purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to recognise and address medication misuse, communicate effectively, and implement a safe and ethical treatment strategy.

#AMC #OSCE #ClinicalReasoning #MedicalEducation #IMGs #AustralianMedicalCouncil #Benzodiazepine #Dependency #MedicationSafety #Withdrawal #PatientCare #AddictionAwareness #Serepax #PrescriptionManagement