Platelet serotonin uptake in panic disorder: comparison with normal controls and the effect of treatment

Platelet serotonin uptake was measured in 59 patients with panic attacks and compared to 26 controls. Scatchard analysis of the data showed that the maximal rate of uptake (Vmax) of serotonin was significantly higher in patients than controls. The affinity constant (Km) was not different. In a sub-group of 24 patients, benzodiazepine treatment did not alter the kinetics of platelet serotonin uptake. These findings suggest an abnormality in serotonergic function in patients with panic attacks. Insofar as the platelet is a model of central neuronal function they support serotonergic hyperactivity as a biochemical basis of panic attacks.