J Affect Disord January 2025 PMID 39271062

Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Charlotte Archer, Nicola Wiles, David Kessler, Katrina Turner, Deborah M Caldwell

Mentions

32
Peak: 25 in Oct 2024
across 5 sources since Sep 2024

Extended reach

454,008
potential audience

Total likes

4,589

Video views

365,423

Mentions per month

Sep 2024 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter27 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts
  • News1 articles
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a cautious tone, highlighting the limited trials and negative results from the meta-analysis, such as the mention of only 10 small studies with inadequate methodology and the suggestion that beta-blockers may work mainly for performance anxiety. Words like 'probably,' 'inadequate,' and 'inseparable from placebo' underscore skepticism and analytical engagement with the research's limitations and implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the meta-analysis indicating limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of beta-blockers beyond specific situations like performance anxiety.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest, emphasizing the small number of studies and the need for further research, which suggests engagement with the topic's implications.

EngagementHigh engagement

Discussions reference study limitations, sample sizes, and methodological concerns, indicating deep engagement with the research analysis.

ImpactModerate impact

Posts suggest the findings could influence prescribing practices and highlight gaps in current evidence, though the overall impact appears moderate without direct calls for policy changes.

Abstract in brief

  • Betablockers have become more commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders like social phobia and panic disorder, but recent research shows there is no strong evidence they are more effective than placebo or benzodiazepines.
  • A systematic review of studies up to 2023 found only 10 relevant trials, with many having small sample sizes and potential biases, and found no significant benefit of betablockers in reducing anxiety symptoms.
  • Despite increased prescriptions, more high-quality research, such as large randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine whether betablockers are a safe and effective treatment option for adult anxiety disorders.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up negative in new metaanalysis (mainly propranolol, also atenolol, pindolol): https://t.co/RT1WYsqMcK #psychiatry #mentalhealth https://t.co/q5JX9sX5TC

Oct 12, 2024 · 122 likes · 28 shares · 8,450 followers View post →
Johann von Elbogen
@von_Elbogen · X

@cfrketx @LorentzuvFaktor @BarjamCurri25 @JiPsenicka Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/JLWuY4Hoq2

Sep 20, 2025 · 3 likes · 685 followers View post →
Joseph Yaroch
@jcyaroch.bsky.social · Bluesky

A lot of the early studies were small and conducted in a manner that is now considered inadequate. Probably, beta blockers are useful only for persons with performance anxiety, and perhaps a few others, but with efficacy inseparable from placebo.

Sep 18, 2024 · 3 likes · 1 share View post →
Edilberto Peña
@Edilberto_pena · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 17,868 followers View post →
Informed Consent
@Ireland2020 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 15,288 followers View post →
Carlat Psychiatry
@CarlatPsych · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 8,064 followers View post →

All mentions

Johann von Elbogen
@von_Elbogen · X

@cfrketx @LorentzuvFaktor @BarjamCurri25 @JiPsenicka Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://t.co/JLWuY4Hoq2

Sep 20, 2025 · 3 likes · 685 followers View post →
Leah DeMarest
@LeahDeMarest21 · X

https://t.co/QFlTnR1FM3 Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mar 26, 2025 · 1,047 followers View post →
tasmanian
@tasmanian12345 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 15, 2024 · 28 shares · 14 followers View post →
Theodosia Kotsokosta, MD
@theodosia_k · X

https://t.co/V7wNloOvUm

Oct 14, 2024 · 131 followers View post →
Masako Araki
@DrMasakoAraki · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 62 followers View post →
bauhaus242
@bauhaus242 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 1,499 followers View post →
Carlat Psychiatry
@CarlatPsych · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 8,064 followers View post →
Duvidoso
@Badlnfluencer · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 42 followers View post →
DR AWESOME (formerly known as LD)
@Notshockednomo · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 358 followers View post →
Thomas Ggt
@ouphix · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 913 followers View post →
Informed Consent
@Ireland2020 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 13, 2024 · 28 shares · 15,288 followers View post →
Ken Lownds
@KenZeroHarm · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 4,262 followers View post →
Camilia Riyashi , MD
@dr_camiliaRyi · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 668 followers View post →
Edilberto Peña
@Edilberto_pena · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 17,868 followers View post →
Солярис
@hector_fhr · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 223 followers View post →
Brooklyn
@itsFrankBoff · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 184 followers View post →
Moda Polska ( Lodz)
@Sardar231984 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 59 followers View post →
Kindly #deprescribe -- taper psychiatric drugs
@Altostrata · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 6,596 followers View post →
Joseph El-Khoury
@JEK_Psych · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 6,941 followers View post →
Psychiatrist, Engineer, Inventor, Business owner.
@DrDavidClements · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 2,926 followers View post →
Carine el Khazen
@Carine47273673 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 903 followers View post →
CopperKettle
@Artyom_Yekat · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 381 followers View post →
a MAN in NEAD
@aMANinNEAD · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 576 followers View post →
drPatricioReyPsiquiatra
@drpatriciorey · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 510 followers View post →
Dr R S Lamba MD Psychiatry
@rajendr15119669 · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 1,148 followers View post →
Agnes Ayton
@AgnesAyton · X

RT @chrisaikenmd: Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up ne…

Oct 12, 2024 · 28 shares · 7,422 followers View post →
Chris Aiken, MD
@chrisaikenmd · X

Beta-blockers are often used for #anxiety, but only 10 small controlled trials of 179 patients exist, and they came up negative in new metaanalysis (mainly propranolol, also atenolol, pindolol): https://t.co/RT1WYsqMcK #psychiatry #mentalhealth https://t.co/q5JX9sX5TC

Oct 12, 2024 · 122 likes · 28 shares · 8,450 followers View post →
Joseph Yaroch
@jcyaroch.bsky.social · Bluesky

A lot of the early studies were small and conducted in a manner that is now considered inadequate. Probably, beta blockers are useful only for persons with performance anxiety, and perhaps a few others, but with efficacy inseparable from placebo.

Sep 18, 2024 · 3 likes · 1 share View post →
Risk-Benefit Analysis: Using Beta-Blockers for Anxiety | Psychology ...
Blogs

doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.068. Epub 2024 Sep 11. PMID: 39271062. “Are Beta-Blockers the Answer to Your Performance Anxiety?” Cleveland ...

Apr 25, 2025 View →
The dangers of propranolol for anxiety - The Pharmaceutical Journal
News

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.068. 10. Archer C, Kessler D, Wiles N, Chew-Graham CA, Turner K. GPs' views of prescribing beta- blockers for ...

Feb 12, 2025 View →