[The use of beta-blocking agents in psychiatry and neurology (author's transl)].

This paper is an up-to-date review of the literature on the subject, as well as of own research. The paper discusses pharmacological and experimental data concerning the central nervous activity of beta-blocking agents. Their use in anxiolysis - in adults and children -, ethological research, their indications in the treatment of various psychoses, withdrawal syndromes of opiate, alcohol, hypnotics, tranquilizers, marihuana and amphetamine addiction, Parkinson, essential, familiar, senile and lithium induced tremors, as well as in side effects of other psychopharmacological drugs is analysed. The relevance of different studies and therapeutical indications is discussed. Finally, tha paper points to the side-effects, advantages and disadvantages of the above substances in neuro-psychiatric therapy and stresses their importance for future research.