What are beta-blockers?
Beta-blockers are medicines used to treat heart conditions. Beta-blockers slow down the heart and lower blood pressure.
Who are beta-blockers for?
Beta-blockers are traditionally prescribed to people with heart conditions. They’re sometimes used for autistic people who experience a lot of aggression and anxiety, but usually only when other approaches haven’t helped.
Some commonly prescribed beta-blockers for autistic people are atenolol and propranolol.
If people have asthma as well as autism, they should use beta-blockers cautiously because these medicines can narrow the airways.
What are beta-blockers used for?
Beta-blockers can be used to treat behaviour like hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, anxiety, self-harm and obsessive compulsive behaviour.
Where do beta-blockers come from?
Beta-blockers were first trialled with autistic people in 1987. Researchers found that they reduced aggression and improved social skills in a small group of adult participants.
What is the idea behind beta-blockers for autistic children?
When we feel frustrated, angry, stressed or anxious, our heartbeat often gets faster. This is a natural and common physical response.
Autistic people can find this physical sensation distressing and difficult to manage. This can lead to challenging behaviour, including aggression.
When beta blockers are prescribed for autistic people, the idea is that this medicine might help to reduce distressing physical sensations like a fast heartbeat. In turn, this might reduce challenging behaviour.
What does the use of beta-blockers involve?
This therapy involves taking oral medicine on a daily basis. The specific medicine and dosage depends on people’s individual needs.
A specialist doctor like a psychiatrist should monitor the person taking the medicine. The person needs to have regular appointments with the specialist.
Do beta-blockers help autistic children?
There’s very little high-quality research on the use of beta-blockers. Some research has shown positive effects, but more research is needed. Most research has involved autistic adults, so we don’t know whether beta-blockers help autistic children.
Who can prescribe beta-blockers?
GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists can prescribe beta-blockers and give you information about the potential benefits and risks of using them.
Where can you find a doctor who prescribes beta-blockers?
Your GP can refer you to a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
You can find psychiatrists at Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – Find a psychiatrist.
How are parents involved in beta-blocker therapy for autistic children?
If your child is taking beta-blockers, you need to ensure that your child takes the medicine as prescribed. You also need to monitor the effects of the medicine.
How much do beta-blockers cost?
The cost of beta-blockers varies depending on the brand of medicine used and its dose or strength. It also depends on whether you hold a concession card and whether the medicine is subsidised by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.