Somatic Anxiety Attacks and Propranolol

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Abstract
• Patients with acute anxiety-like attacks are often evaluated for various medical conditions, and, when nothing is found, their symptoms are attributed to psychogenic causes. "β-Adrenergic hyperactivity" should be considered in these patients. Six patients are described who, we believe, are suffering from this condition. Low rates of isoproterenol hydrochloride infusion-precipitated symptoms that mimicked their spontaneous somatic anxiety attacks. Treatment with propranolol hydrochloride produced longterm symptomatic relief.