title: Beta adrenergic blocking medications for aggressive or self-injurious mentally retarded persons.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Ruedrich
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grush
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol