[40 years beta-adrenoceptor blockers in psychiatry]

Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2007 Apr;75(4):199-210. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-944295. Epub 2007 Jan 2.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Beta-adrenoceptor blockers belong to the most successful drug classes of medicine. Mainly they are used in internal medicine. 40 years ago beta-adrenoceptor blockers have occasionally been used in psychiatry for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Over the past four decades, the effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in the treatment of schizophrenic and manic psychoses, withdrawal syndromes and aggressive behaviour with temper outbursts has been investigated. Beta-adrenoceptor blockers are also used in the treatment of side-effects of psychopharmacological agents like neuroleptic or antidepressant-induced tachycardias, lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia or tardive dyskinesia as well. Since the mid-nineties it has been attempted to improve the efficacy of antidepressant agents by means of the 5-HT-(1a)-receptorantagonist pindolol. Presumedly memory consolidation of traumatic events can be enhanced by adrenergic activation. Therefore some open clinical trials investigated the effects of propranolol, a lipid soluble drug, which crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, to reduce the manifestation of PTSD. The present review presents the results of the literature with respect to the indications for beta-blockers in psychiatry. Considering evidence-based-medicine criteria beta-blockers are indicated to treat lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia and to reduce aggressive behavior of patients with brain-injuries.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / history
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Aggression / drug effects
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / history
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Psychotropic Drugs