OBJECTIVE: Indirect evidence suggests that abnormalities in serotonergic
function may be involved in the pathogenesis of premenstrual dysphoric
disorder. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis of serotonergic
deficiency in premenstrual dysphoric disorder by measuring the prolactin
response to fenfluramine. METHOD: The authors administered the
serotonin-releasing drug dl-fenfluramine in a placebo-controlled protocol
to nine women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and 11 healthy female
volunteers in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Compared to
the normal subjects, the women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder had a
significantly blunted prolactin response to fenfluramine. CONCLUSIONS:
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder appears to be associated with serotonergic
deficiency.
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