Past which point is benzodiazepine treatment of anxiety considered NOT effective?

Benzodiazepine treatment of anxiety is generally considered effective for short-term use, typically not extending beyond a few weeks to a couple of months at most. The correct answer indicates that after four months, the potential for efficacy decreases significantly. Long-term use of benzodiazepines is associated with various issues, including tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, making them less effective and potentially harmful for managing anxiety over extended periods.

Moreover, alternative treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are often recommended for long-term management of anxiety disorders, as they focus on addressing the underlying issues rather than solely providing symptomatic relief. This context underlines why the effectiveness of benzodiazepines diminishes as you progress beyond four months of treatment.