Volume 28, Issue 150, August 2024

Exploring the therapeutic potential of beta blockers in psychiatry: Review study

Adam Jaskulski^1♦, Dominika Kabała², Michał Bielecki³, Agata Zapałowska³, Tymon Zatorski⁴, Milena Szczepańska⁵, Marcin Głód⁶

¹The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw-Ochota, Szczęśliwicka 36, 02-353 Warsaw, Poland
²University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
³John Paul II Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital, Daleka 11, 05-825, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
⁴The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw-Mokotów, Madalińskiego 13, 02-513 Warsaw, Poland
⁵Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
⁶Masovian Bródnowski Hospital, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw- Ochota, Szczęśliwicka 36, 02-353 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Beta-blockers, primarily used for cardiovascular conditions, have attracted attention for their potential benefits in psychiatry. Their ability to influence sympathetic nervous system activity makes them candidates for adjunctive treatment in various psychiatric disorders, including aggression, anxiety disorders, and withdrawal syndromes. Methods: A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted using PubMed. The search focused on placebo-controlled trials, cohort studies, open-label trials, and clinical trials that evaluated beta-blockers in psychiatric contexts. Relevant studies were analyzed for their efficacy in managing symptoms of aggression, anxiety disorders (PTSD and GAD), withdrawal syndromes, and opioid addiction. Results: Beta-blockers like propranolol effectively reduced aggression and agitation, thus improving patient safety and treatment outcomes. In anxiety disorders, particularly PTSD and GAD, these agents showed potential in alleviating symptoms by modulating sympathetic nervous system activation. The evidence for beta-blockers in alcohol withdrawal syndrome is mixed, with atenolol showing promise in reducing treatment failure rates and cravings, while propranolol's effects on specific symptoms remain inconclusive. In opioid withdrawal, propranolol may enhance patient retention in detoxification programs. Discussion: The findings support beta-blockers as valuable adjuncts in managing psychiatric conditions. Their effects on aggression and anxiety are promising, though the evidence for alcohol and opioid withdrawal is less consistent. Further research is necessary to better understand and optimize their use in clinical practice. Conclusion: Beta-blockers offer potential benefits across several psychiatric conditions, particularly in managing aggression and anxiety. While their role in withdrawal syndromes is promising, further studies are needed.

Keywords: Beta blockers, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, opioid withdrawal

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e113ms3429

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i150.e113ms3429

Published: 25 August 2024