The British Journal of Psychiatry 137: 126-130 (1980)
© 1980 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Propranolol in chronic schizophrenia: a controlled study in neuroleptic- treated patients
LH Lindstrom and E Persson
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.