Pilot study of secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder with propranolol.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Preclinical considerations suggest that treatment with a beta-adrenergic blocker following an acute psychologically traumatic event may reduce subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This pilot study addressed this hypothesis.

METHODS:

Patients were randomized to begin, within 6 hours of the event, a 10-day course of double-blind propranolol (n = 18) versus placebo (n = 23) 40 mg four times daily.

RESULTS:

The mean (SD) 1-month Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score of 11 propranolol completers was 27.6 (15.7), with one outlier 5.2 SDs above the others' mean, and of 20 placebo completers, 35.5 (21.5), t = 1.1, df = 29, p =.15. Two propranolol patients' scores fell above, and nine below, the placebo group's median, p =.03 (sign test). Zero of eight propranolol, but six of 14 placebo, patients were physiologic responders during script-driven imagery of the traumatic event when tested 3 months afterward, p =.04 (all p values one-tailed).

CONCLUSIONS:

These pilot results suggest that acute, posttrauma propranolol may have a preventive effect on subsequent PTSD.

• Authors: Roger K Pitman, Kathy M Sanders, Randall M Zusman, Anna R Healy, Farah Cheema, Natasha B Lasko, Larry Cahill, Scott P Orr
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 51 Issue 2 Pg. 189-92 (Jan 15 2002) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11822998 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Propranolol

Topics

• Accidents, Traffic (psychology)
• Adult
• Arousal (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Emergency Service, Hospital
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Propranolol (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic (diagnosis, prevention & control, psychology)