SEROTONERGIC FUNCTION IN PANIC DISORDER ENDOCRINE RESPONSES TO D-FENFLURAMINE

1. Prolactin and cortisol responses to d-fenfluramine were measured in 16 patients with DSM-III-R panic disorder and 14 normal controls. 2. Patients showed a greater mean prolactin response than controls but th e difference between groups was not statistically significant(P > 0.05 , MANOVA). 3. No consistent differences were observed between patients and controls with respect to cortisol responses (P > 0.05, MANOVA). 4 . The results do not support the hypothesis of hypersensitive post-syn aptic serotonin receptors in patients with panic disorder. 5. Studies in larger groups are necessary to confirm the trend and to explore rec eptor subtype sensitivity.