Benzodiazepine treatment of anxiety is not effective after about how many weeks?

• A. Two Weeks
• B. Six Weeks
• C. Twelve Weeks
• D. Eight Weeks

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that benzodiazepines can provide quick relief for anxiety, but their usefulness tends to fade after a short period because of tolerance and dependence. After about six weeks, the anxiolytic benefit often diminishes, and continuing the medication beyond this point adds risk without substantial extra relief. That’s why six weeks is considered the practical limit for effectiveness in treating anxiety with these drugs.

Two weeks might still fall within a short-term window where some benefit is present, but the question focuses on when the effect typically stops being effective. Eight weeks and twelve weeks exceed the recommended short-term window and carry greater risks (tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, cognitive effects), so they are not seen as effective durations for ongoing anxiety control. For longer-term management, other treatments such as SSRIs/SNRIs or psychotherapy are preferred.