Abstract
Background
This study investigated the efficacy of propranolol prescribed shortly after trauma
exposure in the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis.
Methods
Eleven patients received 40 mg of propranolol 3 times daily for 7 days, followed by
a taper period of 8–12 days. They were compared with eight patients who refused propranolol
but agreed to participate in the study. Though nonrandomized, the two groups did not
differ on demographics, exposure characteristics, physical injury severity, or peritraumatic
emotional responses.
Results
Posttraumatic stress disorder rates were higher in the group who refused propranolol
(3/8) compared with those who received the medication (1/11), as were the levels of
PTSD symptoms (U = 85, p = .037).
Conclusions
Our results are consistent with earlier findings and suggest that propranolol may
be useful for mitigating PTSD symptoms or perhaps even preventing the development
of PTSD.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 1,
2003
Received in revised form:
March 19,
2003
Received:
February 6,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
