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Serotonin uptake in panic disorder and agoraphobia
J C Pecknold1, B Suranyi-Cadotte, H Chang
1Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
This study found lower serotonin uptake in patients with depression and panic disorder compared to healthy individuals. This suggests a shared neurobiologic link between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Depression is associated with reduced serotonin uptake.
- Panic disorder frequently co-occurs with depression.
- A neurobiologic link between panic disorder and depression is suspected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiologic relationship between panic disorder and depression.
- To compare serotonin uptake in patients with panic disorder, major depression, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Platelet serotonin uptake studies were conducted.
- Participants included 47 patients with panic disorder, 17 with primary major depression, and 15 healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Serotonin uptake (Bmax) was significantly lower in both the depression and panic disorder groups compared to healthy controls.
- Panic disorder patients with a history of depression showed slightly higher serotonin uptake than those without a history.
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet serotonin uptake is a potential neurobiologic marker common to both depression and panic disorder.
- Findings support an overlap in the neurobiology of these two conditions.