Hello,
For your first question, yes clonazepam creates a psychological dependence, that is to say that we can feel a feeling of withdrawal like cigarettes when we don't take our regular dose. Also, it creates a physical dependence, which is seen by the fact that the medication is not as effective as it was at the beginning and that the dose must be increased in the long term. The problem with this family of drugs is that they work quickly but cause problems over time.
To answer your second question, antidepressants like effexor are, I believe, the best class to help you. They may help you more in the long run than drugs like clonazepam. It is not uncommon, unfortunately, to have to try a few molecules before finding the right one that works for you. I suggest that you discuss this with your pharmacist. He or she can look at the different pharmacological options that are appropriate for you and send a request to your doctor.
To answer your third question, yes, taking clonazepam over the long term is not without risk. In addition to what I mentioned earlier, this type of medication can cause memory problems and confusion in older people. I can't tell you if your father-in-law's doctor has stopped the medication for this, but it is a possibility.
Thank you for asking your question and I hope I was able to help you.