Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:16
Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Abnormal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density associated with generalized social phobia
M R Johnson1, D Marazziti, O Brawman-Mintzer
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29451, USA.
Biological Psychiatry
|March 26, 1998
Summary
Generalized social phobia (GSP) patients exhibit significantly lower peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) density on platelets compared to controls. This finding suggests PBRs may be involved in the pathophysiology of GSP and other anxiety disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) are implicated in stress response regulation.
- Reduced platelet PBRs are observed in panic disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Patients with OCD and MDD do not show this PBR abnormality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PBR density on platelets in patients with generalized social phobia (GSP).
Main Methods:
- Quantified PBR density (Bmax) and dissociation constant (Kd) on platelets.
- Studied 53 medication-free patients with GSP and 53 matched controls.
Main Results:
- GSP patients displayed significantly lower PBR Bmax compared to controls (2764 vs. 4327 fmol/mg protein).
- Statistical significance was highly robust (p = .00001).
Conclusions:
- GSP shares the PBR abnormality with certain anxiety disorders.
- This contrasts with findings in OCD and MDD.
- PBRs may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of some anxiety disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
01:29Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
01:22Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...