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.
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 followersView post →
JE
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
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.
Betablockers are increasingly prescribed for anxiety disorders like social phobia and panic disorder, but recent research up to 2023 shows limited evidence of their effectiveness beyond placebo or benzodiazepines. More…
Beta blockers are medications initially designed for cardiovascular conditions but are increasingly used to manage performance anxiety, such as public speaking. Recent systematic reviews suggest limited evidence of…
@cfrketx @LorentzuvFaktor @BarjamCurri25 @JiPsenicka Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://t.co/JLWuY4Hoq2
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 followersView post →
B
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 followersView post →
CP
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 followersView post →
D
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 followersView post →
DL
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 followersView post →
TG
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 followersView post →
IC
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 followersView post →
KL
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 followersView post →
CM
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 followersView post →
EP
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 followersView post →
С
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 followersView post →
B
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 followersView post →
ML
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 followersView post →
KD
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 followersView post →
JK
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 followersView post →
PO
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 followersView post →
CK
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 followersView post →
C
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 followersView post →
AN
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 followersView post →
D
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 followersView post →
DP
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 followersView post →
AA
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 followersView post →
CM
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 followersView post →
JY
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.