A double-blind placebo controlled trial of a selective beta 2 adrenoceptor antagonist (ICI 118551) in chronic anxiety.

ICI 118551, a selective beta 2 adrenoceptor antagonist, was compared with placebo and propranolol in a double-blind cross-over trial in 11 chronically anxious patients, 8 of whom were continued on benzodiazepines. Each treatment was given for 1 week and there was a significant improvement in anxiety ratings (p less than 0.01) at the end of the 3-week trial. However there was no significant difference between the 3 treatments and no preference by either patients or doctor for any one treatment could be detected. Thus, under the conditions of this study, no beneficial effects of either selective or non-selective beta-blockade on chronic anxiety could be detected. Some previous studies with beta-blockers may have confused an effect on anxiety with an effect on benzodiazepine withdrawal.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes