The effects of captopril vs atenolol on memory, information processing and mood: a double-blind crossover study

1. Measures of memory, information processing ability, mood states and trait anxiety were estimated in a double-blind, double-dummy, randomised cross-over trial which compared the effects of atenolol (50 or 100 mg once daily) and captopril (25 or 50 mg twice daily), each taken for 6 weeks. Eighteen patients with mild to moderately severe hypertension were included. 2. There were no significant differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure reduction between the two drugs. Pulse rate was slower after atenolol treatment (P less than 0.05). 3. Patients undertook practice on the psychological test battery prior to the treatment phases of the study in order to minimise practice effects. 4. There were no significant differences between the treatments on any of the measures of memory or information processing. 5. Patients reported feeling less anxious during treatment with atenolol (P = 0.02). 6. There were no differences between the drugs in their cognitive effects. The present study has the advantages of using an extensive battery of standard tests in a group of well-practised patients. The decreased anxiety reported with atenolol treatment may have clinical value and probably reflects the well-known effect of beta-adrenoceptor antagonist drugs on the somatic symptoms of situational anxiety.