Propranolol treatment of assaultive patients with organic brain disease. A double-blind crossover, placebo-controlled study

J Nerv Ment Dis. 1986 May;174(5):290-4. doi: 10.1097/00005053-198605000-00005.

Abstract

A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted to examine the effects of long-acting propranolol in the treatment of violent behavior associated with organic brain disease in 10 patients whose symptoms had proved refractory to various conventional medications. Long-acting propranolol treatment was associated with reductions of assaultive behavior without apparent sedative effects. Cautions are noted regarding potential undesirable side effects which may necessitate careful patient monitoring during treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aggression / drug effects*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology*
  • Placebos
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / pharmacology
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Violence

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Placebos
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Propranolol