In a recent meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials (2 in patients with social phobia, 1 in panic disorder/agoraphobia, and 1 with a range of anxiety disorders), when compared with placebo, there was no significant benefit of either atenolol or propranolol on HAM-A score.3
References:
1. Turner P, Granville-Grossman KL. Effect of adrenergic receptor blockade of the tachycardia of thyrotoxicosis and anxiety state. Lancet 1965; 2 (7426): 1316–1318.
2. Steenen SA, van Wijk AJ, van der Heijden GJ, et al. Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30 (2): 128–139.
3. Archer C, Wiles N, Kessler D, et al. Beta-blockers for the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2025; 368: 90–99.
