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d-Fenfluramine in panic disorder: a dual role for 5-hydroxytryptamine
1Department of Psychiatry, The University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK.
Psychopharmacology
|May 24, 2000
Summary
The study found that d-fenfluramine (dFEN) increased general anxiety but reduced panic attacks induced by carbon dioxide (CO2) in panic disorder patients, suggesting a dual role for 5-HT.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) modulation of anxiety is complex.
- Its role in human anxiety disorders remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate d-fenfluramine (dFEN) effects on resting and panic anxiety.
- Examine dFEN's impact in patients with panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.
- 13 drug-free panic disorder patients.
- Administered dFEN or placebo, followed by 7% CO2 challenge.
Main Results:
- dFEN increased anxiety and arousal, but reduced CO2-induced panic.
- CO2-induced anxiety mimicked panic attacks.
- Severe panic disorder patients showed altered behavioral and prolactin responses to dFEN.
Conclusions:
- dFEN exhibits a dual role in pathological anxiety.
- It may worsen generalized anxiety while alleviating panic attacks.
- Severity of panic disorder correlates with differential 5-HT function.