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Propranolol in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Controlled Study in Neuroleptic-Treated Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Leif H. Lindström  and
Eva Persson
Leif H. Lindström
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Research Center, Ulleraker Hospital, S–750 17 Uppsala, Sweden
Eva Persson
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Research Center, Ulleraker Hospital, S–750 17 Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract

The effect of propranolol at a dose level of 1,280–1,920 mg per day was studied with a double-blind crossover design in twelve chronic schizophrenics with persistent psychotic symptoms despite maintenance treatment with a depot neuroleptic. By use of a psychiatric rating scale (CPRS), an improvement was seen during the two week period of propranolol compared to placebo treatment in six patients, whereas three patients were unchanged and three deteriorated. The effect on total symptom scores for the whole group was significantly better after propranolol. The data indicate that propranolol in high doses has an antipsychotic effect in some schizophrenic patients when receiving neuroleptics.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 137 , Issue 2 , August 1980 , pp. 126 - 130
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1980 

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