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Beta-blockers in anxiety disorders.
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Beta-blockers are not routinely recommended for generalized anxiety or panic disorder. Propranolol may offer symptomatic relief for physical anxiety symptoms when used alongside other treatments, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are common psychiatric conditions.
- Beta-blockers are a class of drugs often used for cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of beta-blockers, specifically propranolol, in treating anxiety and panic disorders.
- To determine the role of beta-blockers in managing physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies examining the antianxiety and antipanic properties of beta-blockers.
- Analysis of preliminary research on propranolol's efficacy in panic disorder.
Main Results:
- Current evidence does not support the routine use of beta-blockers for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
- Propranolol may be effective for physical symptoms like palpitations and tachycardia in some patients, particularly when combined with benzodiazepines or other treatments.
- Preliminary research on propranolol for panic disorder has yielded discouraging results.
Conclusions:
- Beta-blockers are not a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety or panic disorder.
- Propranolol might provide symptomatic relief for specific physical complaints in anxiety disorders, but requires further investigation.
- Caution is advised when using beta-blockers in patients with co-occurring depression due to potential mood side effects.