Many thanks for your letter dated 22 October 1999 in which you indicate that in the limited distribution document YMO/PSA/96.11 Rational Use of benzodiazepines, the reference Khan (1992), which appears in page 31 is incorrect. I cross-checked and came to the conclusion you are absolutely right. We are grateful for your having drawn our attention to it.

    However, contrary to what is mentioned in your letter, I have never belonged to the Programme on Substance Abuse (PSA, which issued the document), but I am indeed the WHO designated technical officer for contacts with the World Psychiatric Association.

    My participation in the WPA Task Force was as a representative from the former Division of Mental Health and my recollection is that that particular section in the report (7. Social and Economic Issues) was prepared by Prof. Yves Pelicier, who was the Chair of the Task Force and the expert who provided the corresponding references. An earlier version of it appeared in "Benzodiazepines - Report of the WPA Presidential Educational Task Force. Established by Y. Pelicier M.D. (France), 1993", distributed by the World Psychiatric Association.

    Thanking you once again for your interest in WHO activities I remain,

Yours sincerely,

Dr J.M.Bertolote

Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Department of Mental Health