Blood pressure drug to reduce anxiety for people with autism finds study
A new study has found that propranolol, a medication that treats high blood pressure, can also help lower anxiety for kids and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was recently published in Psychopharmacology.
Given that some individuals with ASD tend to struggle with anxiety at a far greater rate than their neurotypical peers, the new finding can significantly help such individuals with ASD. David Beversdorf, a clinician at the Thompson Center, led the study, which involved 69 patients over a three-year span.
Compared to a placebo group, the participants who received propranolol showed significantly reduced anxiety levels at their 12-week check-up appointments while receiving the medication.
The study also examined if there were significant changes in the individuals' social communication skills, but no significant changes were found.
"The findings show that propranolol could serve as a helpful intervention for reducing anxiety for individuals with autism," said Beversdorf, who also has appointments in the MU School of Medicine and the MU College of Arts and Science.
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