Researchers at Karolinska University in Sweden have identified an unexpected link between beta-blockers, medications commonly prescribed for heart conditions, and a reduced urge toward violent behavior. The findings were reported in PLOS Medicine and involve a large-scale examination of health data from real-world populations.
Beta-blockers are used to treat arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline and norepinephrine, which slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and can alleviate stress. Because of these effects, beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to help manage certain types of anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Several concerns have circulated about whether beta-blockers might raise the risk of depression or suicidality. The evidence has been mixed, and doctors often weigh potential psychiatric benefits against potential risks when considering treatment options for patients with comorbid mental health conditions.
To explore these questions, the Swedish research team analyzed records from about 1.4 million beta-blocker users over eight years. They tracked whether individuals faced criminal charges, encountered mental health issues requiring medical care, used additional medications, and, where available, mortality data. Each person’s behavior and health outcomes were compared before and after starting beta-blocker therapy.
The researchers observed a 13 percent lower likelihood of receiving a police charge for violent crime among those taking beta-blockers. They also noted an 8 percent decrease in hospitalizations for mental health problems. In a separate assessment of suicide-related outcomes, the study found an 8 percent reduction in risk, a finding the authors describe as notable.
Further analyses revealed that individuals with a history of severe heart disease or serious psychiatric problems still faced higher risks of suicide attempts, underscoring the importance of careful clinical monitoring in these subgroups.
The authors emphasize that beta-blockers may have potential roles in reducing aggression and violence among specific populations, while also highlighting that medication choices should be individualized based on each patient’s cardiovascular and mental health profile.