Psychiatric disorders: beta-blockers would reduce violent acts

Mainly used in cardiology because they slow down and strengthen the contractions of the heart, beta-blockers are well known to people with fragile cardiovascular health. But that is not their only interest, it seems.

Drugs already evaluated against post-traumatic stress

In 2016 and 2018 several studies were conducted on the effects of beta-blockers on post-traumatic stress. Propranolol would indeed be able to interfere with this process of reconsolidation of the traumatic memory and thus degrade the “mnesic trace” preserved in the memory. More information on this subject on “Post-traumatic stress: a simple tablet could reduce its effects”).

But according to a new study from the University of Oxford and the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) published on January 31, they could also help manage aggression and hostility in people with psychiatric disorders.

Beta-blockers implicated in the reduction of aggressiveness

The team analyzed the behavior of 1.4 million beta-blocker users over the age of 15 in Sweden (using Swedish national registers) between the periods when they were on treatment and those when they were not. . The study was spread over a period of eight years, from 2006 to 2013. During this period the researchers noted the hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders of the patients, the suicidal behaviors and deaths by suicide or the accusations of violent crimes. By comparing the periods with and without treatment according to variables and proportional risks, the researchers came to the following conclusion:

• Taking the drug was associated with a 13% lower risk of being charged with a violent crime by the police;
• The probability of hospitalization due to a psychiatric disorder decreased by 8%;
• The scientists, however, noticed an 8% increased association of being treated for suicidal behavior.

A lead and a role that need to be confirmed

“In a real-world study of 1.4 million people, beta-blockers were associated with reduced violent criminal charges in people with psychiatric disorders”says Dr. Seena Fazel, author of the work.

However, the results observed cannot be taken for the moment as evidence of efficacy. “VSAssociations vary by psychiatric diagnosis, previous psychiatric problems, and the severity and type of heart disease for which beta-blockers were used.” note the researchers.

“If the results on violence are confirmed by research using other models, beta-blockers could be considered for managing aggression and hostility in people with psychiatric disorders”he concludes.