Enhanced growth hormone responses to pyridostigmine challenge in patients with panic disorder

Panic disorder is associated with neuroendocrinological abnormalities, some of which overlap with those seen in major depression. To date, there has been little assessment of the role of cholinergic mechanisms in this disorder.

Sixteen patients with DSM-III-R panic disorder and an age and gender-matched comparison group were administered 120 mg of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine. Growth hormone (GH) responses over a three-hour period were monitored.

Mean delta GH, the difference between basal and the maximum pyridostigmine levels, was significantly greater in patients with panic disorder than in the comparison group.

This may reflect increased cholinergic responsivity in panic disorder.