Beta-blocker users tend to show less violence: Psychology research

People already know that specific hormones and substances can increase or decrease levels of violence a lot.

The new research claims that beta-blockers can influence people a lot, making them less prone to violence.

Let's find out more!

Beta-blockers can help

A study in PLOS Medicine suggests that beta-blockers may reduce violence in some people with psychiatric conditions.

The study analyzed 1.4 million beta-blocker users in Sweden over an eight-year period.

Beta-blocker treatment was associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime charges, and also an 8% lower risk of hospitalization for various psychiatric disorders.

It can't help everyone, though

However, the associations varied depending on diagnosis themselves and cardiac condition severity.

Of course, different diagnoses tend to show different responses to the treatment.

Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to fully understand the role of beta-blockers in managing bursts of aggression.

Repurposing beta-blockers could potentially improve outcomes for individuals with psychiatric disorders.

When science manages to use this knowledge to people's benefits, we can finally see a better world - with less violent crimes and domestic abuse.
 

• Related news:
• violence
• mental health
• research
• depression
• 28 June 2023

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