[Relevant pharmacologic data as a guide for use of beta-blockers in psychiatry]

In addition to their competitive blockade of the beta-receptors, beta-adrenergic-blocking drugs possess ancillary properties that may modulate their clinical effects. Among these properties, beta 1-selectivity, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, lipid solubility, may affect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of beta-blockers. It could appear that lipid soluble drugs gain access to the Central Nervous System (CNS) more easily. But CNS effects of beta-blockers are probably modulated by other parameters. With those pharmacological data, the authors propose briefly a schematic use of main beta-blockers in psychiatry.