Sorgi P

Brief report: Open trial effects of beta-blockers on speech and social behaviors in 8 autistic adults

We began open trials of beta-blockers, as adjunctive medication, in eight consecutive autistic adults. The immediate result across all patients was a rapid diminution in aggressivity (Ratey et al., 1987). As time on the drug increased, subtler changes in speech and socialization emerged. While results of open trials must be interpreted with caution, these changes were significant and lasting. We speculate that these effects may be the result of a lessening of the autistic individuals state of hyperarousal. As the individual becomes less anxious, defensive and dearousing behaviors are relinquished and more social and adaptive behaviors appear. There is a concomitant improvement in language, though it is unclear whether lost skills are recouped or new ones developed. Further research is indicated.

Autism: the treatment of aggressive behaviors

Eight consecutive cases of adults with the diagnosis of early infantile autism and who were treated with a betablocker are presented. Each had been on various and multiple drug, educational, and behavioral regimens to help control aggressive and self-abusive behavior. Most had been institutionalized from an early age, and a broad range of IQs and speech capacities are represented. Results show the betablockers to have a remarkable effect potentiating measurable diminution in previously intractable aggressive behavior and in many cases the decrease or withdrawal of their neuroleptic.