[Anti-aggressive effect of beta-blockers]

Since the first report in 1977, many studies have reported the efficacy of beta blockers for the treatment of violent and aggressive behavior. Propranolol had mainly been reported to be effective in aggressive patients with organic brain syndromes of diverse etiologies. Doses of propranolol had varied ranging from 60 to 1,440 mg per day with means also varying from 250 to 400 mg per day. Propranolol was in most cases added to existing neuroleptic treatment but sometimes it had been the only medication used. Treatment response required 4 to 6 weeks of maintenance therapeutic doses. The utility of propranolol in aggressive patients with other diagnoses and the efficacy of other beta blockers remain unclear and require further studies.