Do instructions modify effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockade on anxiety?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychophysiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Anxiety disorders are prevalent, impacting both psychological and physiological states.
• Understanding the interplay between physiological responses and subjective anxiety is crucial for effective treatment.
• Public speaking anxiety serves as a relevant model for studying situational anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between physiological changes and self-reported anxiety in individuals with public speaking anxiety.
• To examine the effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockade (atenolol) on anxiety responses.
• To explore the role of perceived cardiovascular changes and autonomic awareness in modulating anxiety.

Main Methods:

• 44 subjects with public speaking anxiety were randomly assigned to four groups: atenolol or placebo, crossed with specific instructions.
• Physiological measures (heart rate, blood pressure) and self-reported anxiety were recorded during speech anticipation and delivery.
• The Autonomic Perception Questionnaire was used to assess autonomic awareness.

Main Results:

• Atenolol significantly reduced heart rate and systolic blood pressure but did not alter self-reported anxiety.
• No significant difference in self-reported anxiety was found between groups receiving different instructions.
• Subjects with higher autonomic awareness reported higher resting heart rate and anxiety, and higher speech anxiety, independent of atenolol treatment.

Conclusions:

• Physiological changes induced by beta-blockers do not directly translate to reduced subjective anxiety in this context.
• Perception of external situational cues, rather than internal physiological sensations, may be a stronger determinant of situational anxiety.
• Autonomic awareness influences baseline anxiety levels and anxiety during performance, suggesting a role in modulating emotional responses.