Abstract Details

Title Effects of Propranolol on Social Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Topic Behavioral Neurology

Presentation(s) S18 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 002

Objective

Background Many current pharmacologic treatments for ASD target psychiatric symptoms such as agitation, and repetitive and obsessive behaviors. Few target core symptomatology such as social functioning. Individuals with ASD report greater generalized anxiety and social anxiety, which may contribute to difficulties in social situations. Therefore, it may be possible to increase sociability in ASD by pharmacologically reducing anxiety. One promising agent is propranolol, a non-selective ?-adrenergic receptor antagonist with known anxiolytic effects. Propranolol blocks the noradrenergically-mediated sympathetic response, leading to reductions in perceived stress and anxiety, which may lead to enhanced sociability in ASD. One case study found that propranolol reduced aggression and increased speech and sociability, which the authors attributed to reduced hyperarousal. Previous research from our laboratory found that single doses of propranolol resulted in significant improvements in verbal problem solving and semantic verbal fluency in ASD. Given these findings, we wished to investigate the effects of propranolol on social functioning in ASD.

Design/Methods Participants were administered 40mg propranolol or placebo in a double-blinded, counterbalanced manner. After one-hour, the General Social Outcomes Measure (GSOM) was administered, a semi-structured assessment of social functioning for the following domains of social functioning during a conversation with the researcher: staying on topic, sharing information, reciprocity, transitions/interruptions, nonverbal communication, and eye contact.

Results In an initial sample of participants from this ongoing study, significantly better performance on the GSOM was found for the propranolol condition relative to the placebo condition.

Conclusions These initial results suggest propranolol may increase general social functioning in individuals with ASD. Subsequent work will determine whether participants with the greatest psychophysical indices of arousal will be the best responders. Having this knowledge will help guide future clinical trials, and ultimately treatments for ASD.

Authors/Disclosures
David Q. Beversdorf, MD, FAAN (University of Missouri) PRESENTER	Dr. Beversdorf has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Yamo pharmaceuticals. Dr. Beversdorf has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier (Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders). The institution of Dr. Beversdorf has received research support from Autism Research Institute. Dr. Beversdorf has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Case Consultant with Best Doctors.
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