Beta-Blocker Use Associated With Lower Rates of Violence - Neuroscience News
Beta-Blocker Use Associated With Lower Rates of Violence - Neuroscience News
Jan 31, 202348 secs
Reductions in violence are seen in individuals using Beta adrenergic-blocking agents (β-blockers) compared with periods that they are not taking the medication, in a study published January 31 st in the open access journal PLOS Medicine.β-blockers are used to treat hypertension, angina and acute cardiovascular events, heart failure and arrhythmias as well as, migraine, symptoms of hyperthyroidism and glaucoma.Additionally, an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to a psychiatric disorder was reported as well as an 8% increased association of being treated for suicidal behavior.Image is in the public domainIn order to understand the role of β-blockers in the management of aggression and violence, further studies including randomized controlled trials are needed.Fazel adds, “In a real-world study of 1.4 million persons, β-blockers were associated with reduced violent criminal charges in individuals with psychiatric disorders.β-blockers are widely used for treating cardiac conditions and are suggested for the treatment of anxiety and aggression, although research is conflicting and limited by methodological problems.