Social anxiety disorder beta-blockers

An Australian study compared medical utilization and costs in patients with panic disorder, those with social anxiety disorder, and a control group (Rees et al, 1998). Almost half of the panic disorder patients had seen a primary-care physician more than seven times over a 6-month period, compared with 7% of the social phobic patients and none of the control group. The mean costs were A 150, A 60 and A 20 respectively. The patients with panic disorder were treated with antidepressants (39%), benzodiazepines (15%), relaxants (12%), beta-blockers (7%) and other medication (7%). Twenty per cent received no medication. Patients with panic... 

Early controlled studies demonstrated the effectiveness of irreversible MAOIs, particularly phenelzine and tranylcypromine, for generalized social anxiety disorder. Prior to the advent of the SSRIs, MAOis were considered the gold standard treatment for social anxiety disorder. The best studied of the MAOis, phenelzine, has proved snperior to both beta blockers and the benzodiazepine alprazolam in treating generalized social anxiety disorder. 

In 1965, the beta-blocker propranolol began to be used to treat some fear or anxiety symptoms. These drugs are particularly useful for treating panic symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder. 

Beta-blocker—Drug that suppresses the autonomic stress response that causes fear-like symptoms brought on by social anxiety disorder. 

Social anxiety avoidance Social phobia, panic disorder Antidepressants, beta blockers, benzo diazepines... 

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