Effects of propranolol on conversational reciprocity in autism spectrum disorder: a pilot, double-blind, single-dose psychopharmacological challenge study
Psychopharmacology, 2016•Springer
Rationale Pharmacological intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an important
addition to treatment, yet currently available agents target co-morbid psychiatric concerns,
such as aggression and irritability. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist with anxiolytic
effects, has been shown to improve verbal fluency and working memory in adults and
adolescents with ASD in single-dose challenges. Objectives The present pilot study
explores the acute effects of propranolol on a measure of conversational reciprocity in this …
addition to treatment, yet currently available agents target co-morbid psychiatric concerns,
such as aggression and irritability. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist with anxiolytic
effects, has been shown to improve verbal fluency and working memory in adults and
adolescents with ASD in single-dose challenges. Objectives The present pilot study
explores the acute effects of propranolol on a measure of conversational reciprocity in this …
Rationale
Pharmacological intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an important addition to treatment, yet currently available agents target co-morbid psychiatric concerns, such as aggression and irritability. Propranolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist with anxiolytic effects, has been shown to improve verbal fluency and working memory in adults and adolescents with ASD in single-dose challenges.
Objectives
The present pilot study explores the acute effects of propranolol on a measure of conversational reciprocity in this population. We also examined whether autonomic activity and anxiety moderate or mediate response to the drug, given relationships between these variables and ASD, as well as the drug’s effects.
Methods
In a within-subject crossover design, 20 individuals with ASD received a single dose of propranolol or placebo during two sessions in a double-blinded, counterbalanced manner. After drug administration, participants performed a conversational reciprocity task by engaging in a short conversation with the researcher. Measurements of autonomic activity and anxiety were obtained before and after drug administration.
Results
Propranolol significantly improved performance on the conversational reciprocity task total [d = 0.40] and nonverbal communication domain scores when compared to the placebo condition. However, neither autonomic activity nor anxiety was significantly associated with drug response.
Conclusions
Acute propranolol administration improved conversational reciprocity in ASD. Further exploration of these preliminary findings, as well as other potential treatment response predictors, with serial doses is warranted.
Springer
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