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Fred -
It has been my experience that SSRIs are far more effective and safe than benzodiazepines in the treatment of chronic anxiety. Benzodiazepines only mask the symptoms of anxiety, whereas SSRIs will alleviate the symptoms of chronic anxiety. Also, using SSRIs for chronic anxiety allow one to lead a better quality of life of life, if only from the standpoint of comparing side effect profiles.

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It seems that it is becoming more well known that ADs do have side effect and discontinuation issues, as bad or worse than the benzodiazepines. Even doctor-level material like http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/2546_pnt "Optimizing Efficacy and Tolerability of Antidepressant Therapy: Does Selectivity of Action Matter?" admits that "side effects compliance".

It may be that those who benefit from ADs have both anxiety and depression, and that the benefits outweigh the side effects.