Beta blockers are one of the most widely used drugs for high blood pressure and heart disease. According to new research, it can also dampen aggressiveness and reduce the risk of committing violent crimes.
The study included 1.4 million people in Sweden. The researchers compared periods with and without beta blockers in the same person over eight years. The researchers then examined the association between beta-blockers and hospitalization for mental illness, suicidality, suicide, and reports of violent crime.
The results show that during periods when the people received beta blockers, the risk of being reasonably suspected of violent crime was 13 percent lower.
One theory as to why beta blockers suppress feelings such as anxiety, aggressiveness and depression is that the medication blocks the signaling substances adrenaline and norepinephrine. Both are linked to stress and are secreted in situations when you feel threatened and afraid.
In the clip above, researcher Yasmina Molero tells more