A quarterly publication of the Autism Research Institute
Winter 2024 | Number 1, Volume 38
Propranolol, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety in children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a new study from the University of Missouri. Anxiety is a significant problem for many individuals with ASD, affecting as many as 84% of individuals in this population.
David Beversdorf and colleagues enrolled 74 individuals, all between seven and 24 years of age, in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to a 12-week course of propranolol or a placebo and were assessed at baseline and at six and 12 weeks. Sixty-nine of them completed the entire 12 weeks of the study.
The researchers say that while participants did not show any changes in social interaction or language, those taking the drug exhibited significantly less anxiety by the end of the study. Side effects were uncommon in study participants, although adverse effects of propranolol can include dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, and congestion.
The researchers say that larger multicenter trials are needed to confirm their findings as well as to determine which individuals may be most likely to respond positively to the medication.
“Randomized controlled trial of propranolol on social communication and anxiety in children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder,” David Q. Beversdorf, Bradley Ferguson, Samantha Hunter, Kathy Hirst, Bridget Lolli, Katherine R. Bellesheim, Amy U. Barton, Julie Muckerman, Nicole Takahashi, Kimberly Selders, Ryan Holem, Kristin Sohl, Peter Dyke, Janine Stichter, Micah Mazurek, and Stephen Kanne, Psychopharmacology (Berl.), December 13, 2023 (online). Address: David Beversdorf, Departments of Radiology, Neurology, and Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, [email protected].
—and—
“Study shows blood pressure drug can reduce anxiety for people with autism,” news release, University of Missouri, January 23, 2024.
