Beta-blockers are widely used for treating cardiac conditions, including hypertension, angina and arrhythmias. However, concerns about the occurrence of psychiatric adverse event over its use have been there for some time. Nevertheless, findings from observational studies were mixed; some studies reported increased risk, while some found no association. A Swedish large population-based cohort examined associations between ß-blockers and psychiatric and behavioural outcomes using their nationwide healthcare, mortality, and crime registers. 1.4 million individuals aged 15 or above who had collected beta-blocker prescriptions were included and followed for 8 years between 2006 and 2013. After adjustment for variables including psychiatric and crime history, type of beta-blocker and use of other medications, periods of beta-blocker treatment were associated with reduced hazards of psychiatric hospitalisations, charges of violent crime and increased hazards of suicidal behaviour. But heterogeneity existed in the direction of results. Only reduced associations with violent charges remained after sensitivity analyses. The use of ß-blockers to manage aggression and violence will still require further investigation using other study designs for better understanding.

Reference:

Molero et al. PLOS Med. 2023;20(1):e1004164. doi:10.1371/JOURNAL.PMED.1004164