THE ROLE OF BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR BLOCKERS IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS

Although beta-adrenoceptor blockers (in particular, propranolol) have been used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders for many years, th eir indications, extent of efficacy and place in therapy remain unclea r. This overview assess the published reports on the use of these drug s in psychiatric disorders. It can be concluded that beta-adrenoceptor blockers may be helpful in the management of some forms of anxiety di sorders, including performance anxiety and other types of situational anxiety, especially when somatic symptoms are prominent. In the same w ay, alcohol (ethanol) withdrawal syndrome of moderate severity, antips ychotic-induced akathisia and lithium-induced tremor seem to be respon sive to this drug class. Because of the fact that they are well tolera ted, the use of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in these disorders should b e considered whenever drug treatment is being contemplated. In contras t, the efficacy of high doses of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in schizop hrenia remains unestablished. However, they may be of benefit in some patients presenting with aggressive behaviour due to organic brain dis ease. Studies have shown a high rate of improvement in this condition, especially in patients who have previously failed to respond to other treatments. Finally, preliminary results suggest that beta-adrenocept or blockers may be useful as adjunctive medication in the treatment of depression and chronic anxiety, but further investigations are needed in these areas of patient management.