sociated with an increased risk for cognitive problems and falls. The disinhibiting effects of
these agents, like alcohol, may potentially cont ribute to overly aggressive behavior, with sub-
sequent interpersonal and legal problems. Accide ntal or deliberate overdoses, similar to those
observed for alcohol use disorder or repeated alcohol intoxication, can occur. In contrast to
their wide margin of safety when used alone,  benzodiazepines taken in combination with al-
cohol can be particularly dangerous, and accidental overdoses are reported commonly. Acci-
dental overdoses have also been  reported in individuals who deliberately misuse barbiturates
and other nonbenzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., me thaqualone), but since these agents are much
less available than the benzodiazepines, the freq uency of overdosing is  low in most settings.
Differential Diagnosis
Other mental disorders or medical conditions. Individuals with se dative-, hypnotic-,
or anxiolytic-induced disorders may present with symptoms (e.g., anxiety) that resemble
primary mental disorders (e.g., generalized an xiety disorder vs. sedative-, hypnotic-, or
anxiolytic-induced anxiety disorder, with on set during withdrawal). The slurred speech,
incoordination, and other associa ted features characteristic of sedative, hypnotic, or anx-
iolytic intoxication could be the result of an other medical condition (e .g., multiple sclero-
sis) or of a prior head trauma (e.g., a subdural hematoma).
Alcohol use disorder. Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder must be differenti-
ated from alcohol use disorder.
Clinically appropriate use of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic medications. Individuals