Administration of the beta-adrenoceptor blocker propranolol impairs the processing of facial expressions of sadness.

Journal article

RATIONALE: Noradrenergic processes within the amygdala have been implicated in the modulation of memory for emotional material. The amygdala has also been associated with the processing of facial expressions of emotion, particularly those of fear and sadness. However, the role of noradrenaline in the latter process is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Therefore the present study examined the effect of an oral beta-blocker (propranolol, 80 mg) upon facial expression recognition in healthy volunteers. METHOD...

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Authors: Harmer, C; Perrett, D; Cowen, P; Goodwin, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Psychopharmacology
• Volume: 154
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 383-389
• Publication date: 2001-04-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s002130000654
• EISSN: 1432-2072
• ISSN: 0033-3158
• Language: English
• Keywords: Facial Expression; Female; Analysis of Variance; Adult; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Emotions; Male; Double-Blind Method; Administration, Oral; Propranolol; Reaction Time; Recognition (Psychology); Humans