[40 years beta-adrenoceptor blockers in psychiatry].
Beta-adrenoceptor blockers belong to the most successful drug classes of medicine. Mainly they are used in internal medicine. 40 years ago beta-adrenoceptor blockers have occasionally been used in psychiatry for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Over the past four decades, the effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in the treatment of schizophrenic and manic psychoses, withdrawal syndromes and aggressive behaviour with temper outbursts has been investigated. Beta-adrenoceptor blockers are also used in the treatment of side-effects of psychopharmacological agents like neuroleptic or antidepressant-induced tachycardias, lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia or tardive dyskinesia as well. Since the mid-nineties it has been attempted to improve the efficacy of antidepressant agents by means of the 5-HT-(1a)-receptorantagonist pindolol. Presumedly memory consolidation of traumatic events can be enhanced by adrenergic activation. Therefore some open clinical trials investigated the effects of propranolol, a lipid soluble drug, which crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, to reduce the manifestation of PTSD. The present review presents the results of the literature with respect to the indications for beta-blockers in psychiatry. Considering evidence-based-medicine criteria beta-blockers are indicated to treat lithium-induced tremor, antipsychotic-induced akathisia and to reduce aggressive behavior of patients with brain-injuries.
Kornischka
J
J
Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik am Klinikum Herford. juergen.kornischka@klinikum-herford.de
Cordes
J
J
Agelink
M W
MW
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000266:history; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs