Beta adrenergic blocking medications for aggressive or self-injurious mentally retarded persons

The psychopharmacologic treatment of persons with mental retardation who exhibit aggressive or self-injurious syndromes is varied and controversial. Many psychotropic agents (e.g., antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, lithium, psychostimulants, anticonvulsants, and narcotic antagonists) have been used; currently, none of these have been studied sufficiently to recommend them unequivocally, and most have serious potential side effects. A new group of medications, blockers of the beta-adrenergic function of the sympathetic nervous system, have been postulated to have efficacy in some aggressive or self-injurious persons. This literature was reviewed, a relevant case report presented, and concerns raised regarding premature endorsement of beta-blocking medications before they have been adequately studied.