Propranolol in Chronic Anxiety Disorders

The Contribution of Arousal and Performance in Reducing Spider Avoidance

“…Likewise, maximum heart rate scores were also lower in propranolol treated subjects (means = 74.5 vs. 86.5, F (1,14) = 3.55, P < 0.05). These findings are consistent with heart rate changes reported by Kathol et al (1980) and indicate the beta blocking medication was working. Although statistically significant, the magnitude of change induced by propranolol was small, amounting to a mean increase of about 15% of the B.A.T.…”

“…Taken together, these findings suggest that propranolol might be a useful therapeutic adjunct when used in combination with more powerful fear reduction methods like participant modeling. Its utility may be even greater with higher dose levels or among patients whose anxiety is expressed primarily through cardiovascular symptoms (Kathol et al, 1980), although these issues were not addressed in this study.…”

Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…To this end, it seems most likely that propranolol aids in breaking a vicious cycle of anxiety in which catastrophic misappraisal of bodily sensations of orthosympathetic origin, such as palpitations or increased ventilation, fuel the occurrence of panic attacks. This explanation is supported by research that found that subjects suffering from high levels of general trait anxiety improved little on propranolol ( Becker, 1976 ; Kathol et al, 1980 ; Meibach et al, 1987 ; Wheatley, 1969 ), whereas more favourable effects were found in the treatment of performance anxieties, in which enhanced sensitivity for adrenergic hyperactivation may similarly initiate the fear response ( Brantigan et al, 1982 ; Brewer, 1972 ; Clark and Agras, 1991 ; Drew et al, 1985 ; Elman et al, 1998 ; Stone et al, 1973 ).…”

Does Acute Propranolol Treatment Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression in Children with Burns?

“…Studies on the benefits of propranolol for the management of anxiety disorders have found mixed results. Some research reported that propranolol may have short-term benefits for anxiety symptoms (Easton and Sherman 1976; Kathol et al 1980; Peet and Ali 1986), which often occur in individuals recovering from burns. Peet and Ali (1986) conducted a double-blind study and examined the efficacy of propranolol, atenolol, and placebo treatment for individuals who were experiencing generalized anxiety and on a waiting list for psychotherapy.…”