Reliable benzodiazepine prescription data are now available for the Federal Republic of Germany by the establishment of GKV-Index. In 1981, 4 benzodiazepines were among the 25 highest ranking drugs in the FRG according to total number of prescriptions. A decline of benzodiazepine prescriptions was observed in 1983 and 1984; two short-acting compounds achieved a higher ranking position. Benzodiazepines make up to about two thirds of all psychotropic drugs prescribed. These data are compared to some figures from Scandinavian countries. In addition, prescription data of 369 outpatients of 42 psychiatrists in private practice in Berlin (West) are presented. Some data on the occurrence of abuse and dependence on benzodiazepines are presented coming from 4 different sources: The spontaneous ADR monitoring of the Medicines Commission of the German Medical Profession; a hospital-based study at the university of Göttingen; a collaborative hospital-based ADR monitoring (AMUP); an outpatient study with psychiatrists in private practice.