BLUNTED SEROTONIN RESPONSE TO FENFLURAMINE CHALLENGE IN PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER

Objective: Indirect evidence suggests that abnormalities in serotonerg ic function may be involved in the pathogenesis of premenstrual dyspho ric disorder. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis of ser otonergic deficiency in premenstrual dysphoric disorder by measuring t he prolactin response to fenfluramine. Method: The authors administere d the serotonin-releasing drug dl-fenfluramine in a placebo-controlled protocol to nine women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and 11 he althy female volunteers in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Re sults: Compared to the normal subjects, the women with premenstrual dy sphoric disorder had a significantly blunted prolactin response to fen fluramine. Conclusions: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder appears to be associated with serotonergic deficiency.