Serotonin and panic disorders: A review of clinical studies

Abstract

The revision of psychiatric diagnostic criteria by DSM-III has emphasised the central importance of panic attacks for the diagnosis of anxiety disorders. Since the introduction of this classification, there has been a re-evaluation of the role of major neurotransmitters as causal factors in anxiety disorders. The evidence for serotonergic hyperactivity in panic disorders is supported by the efficacy of specific serotonin reuptake blockers and 5HT2 receptor antagonists in the treatment of the condition. In addition neuroanatomical studies and positron-emission transaxial tomographic scanning are also consistent with a key role for serotonin in panic disorder. Clinical evidence of serotonin dy..