Alcohol has widespread effects on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
system in the brain. This system in the brain is also postulated to have a
role in anxiety, and alcoholics have been reported to have more anxiety
disorders. Therefore, the authors undertook a study to compare CSF levels
of GABA in abstinent alcoholic patients and normal control subjects. There
was no significant difference between groups in CSF levels of GABA. Also,
there was no significant difference in GABA level between alcoholic
patients with histories of withdrawal seizures and those without such a
history.
Abstract Teaser