Research: Effect of Propranolol on Verbal Problem Solving in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authored by Beversdorf, DQ, Carpenter AL, Miller RF, Cios JS, and Hillier A. in Neurocase, Volume 14, Issue 4, p. 378-383, (2008).

Article summary (posted Dec 1, 2008):

Beta blockers may help people with autism solve verbal problems.

This study was designed to see if propranolol can help with network flexibility/brain function in people with autism. Propranolol is a beta blocker drug that works on the noradrenergic system of the brain. Earlier studies have shown that propranolol helps with verbal problem solving in people who are under stress, and it is sometimes prescribed to people who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD) The authors found that propranolol hindered verbal problem solving in people who did not have autism. Patients with autism were helped, however, by propranolol.

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You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), beta blocker, drug, flexibility, Inderal (propranolol hydrochloride), problem solving, stress, verbal
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