Intravenous GABA administration is anxiogenic in man

Seven persons (three normal volunteers and four euthymic bipolar patients) received one to four doses of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) intravenously. All subjects reported dysphoria, and their mood disturbance scores on the Profile of Mood States were significantly increased in a dose-related fashion. Placebo infusions did not produce similar responses. Mood disturbance was accompanied by a dose-related increase in pulse and blood pressure.