Influence of D‐ or DL‐propranolol and chlorpromazine on habituation of phasic electrodermal responses in schizophrenia

Abstract

Propranolol was found to share the properties of the racemate in facilitating habituation of the electrodermal orienting reflex in schizophrenic patients. This effect appeared independent of influences on levels of skin conductance and non-specific responses. Chlorpromazine did not normalise orienting activity. If the findings from open clinical studies that D-propranolol has anti-psychotic properties are confirmed, the fact that dextro propranolol has only minimal cardiovascular effects may give it important advantages as an anti-psychotic agent. Controlled clinical studies to prove its therapeutic action and neurobiological studies to determine its central mechanisms of action are warranted.

Electrodermal Activity in the 1980s: A Review

“…Gruzelier and co-workers have reported on psychophysiological findings, particularly on restoration of more normal EDR habituation in propranolol-treated schizophrenics. Further, Gruzelier et al (1979) report the examination of dextro-propranolol (which has significantly less hypotensive action) and its therapeutic effects in schizophrenia, seen as rated clinical improvement and facilitated habituation of EDRs. These workers attribute the effect to a central not a peripheral.…”