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GABA_A Receptor-Modulating Neuroactive Steroid Composition in Patients With Panic Disorder Before and During Paroxetine Treatment

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that neuroactive steroids modulate anxiety and stress reactivity. However, no data on the possible role of these -aminobutyric acid_A (GABA_A) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroids in patients with anxiety disorders are available. METHOD: The concentrations of 3,5-tetrahydroprogesterone (3,5-THP), 3,5ß-THP, 3ß,5-THP, and their precursors were studied in the plasma of 10 patients with panic disorder and 10 matched healthy comparison subjects. In addition, the effects of paroxetine treatment on neuroactive steroid concentrations were studied in the panic disorder patients over a 24-week period. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, patients with panic disorder had significantly greater concentrations of the positive allosteric modulators 3,5-THP and 3,5ß-THP and significantly lower concentrations of 3ß,5-THP (a functional antagonist for GABA_A agonistic steroids), which might result in greater GABA_A receptor-mediated neuronal activity. Paroxetine treatment did not affect neuroactive steroid concentrations, which were highly stable over 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder were the opposite of those seen in patients with major depression and may reflect counterregulative mechanisms against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks.

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