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Citation |
Kornischka J, Cordes J, Agelink MW. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 2007; 75(4): 199-210. |
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Vernacular Title |
40 Jahre Beta-Blocker in der Psychiatrie. |
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Affiliation |
Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik am Klinikum Herford. juergen.kornischka@klinikum-herford.de |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2007, Georg Thieme Verlag) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
17200914 |
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Abstract |
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. Language: de |