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[40 years beta-adrenoceptor blockers in psychiatry]
J Kornischka1, J Cordes, M W Agelink
1Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik am Klinikum Herford. juergen.kornischka@klinikum-herford.de
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
|January 4, 2007
Summary
Beta-blockers are effective psychiatric treatments for lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia, and aggression in brain-injured patients. These drugs offer therapeutic benefits beyond internal medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Beta-adrenoceptor blockers, widely used in internal medicine, have a long history in psychiatric applications.
- Their use in psychiatry has evolved over four decades, encompassing anxiety disorders, psychoses, and withdrawal syndromes.
Purpose:
- To review the psychiatric indications for beta-blockers based on evidence-based medicine criteria.
- To explore the efficacy of beta-blockers in managing psychiatric conditions and psychopharmacological side effects.
Summary:
- Beta-blockers are indicated for lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia, and reducing aggression in brain-injured patients.
- Investigated for treating schizophrenic and manic psychoses, withdrawal syndromes, and aggressive behavior.
- Also used to manage side effects like tachycardias, tremor, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.
Impact:
- Provides evidence-based guidance on specific psychiatric indications for beta-blockers.
- Highlights the expanding role of beta-blockers in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
- Suggests potential for beta-blockers in managing PTSD and enhancing antidepressant efficacy.
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