PLASMA-LEVELS OF GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC-ACID AND PANIC DISORDER

Low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plasma have been assoc iated with the presence of mood disorders in patients with major depre ssive disorder. We examined plasma GABA in patients with panic disorde r, a disorder that is often comorbid with major depression, and in a g roup of control subjects. Patients with panic disorder had plasma GABA levels that did not differ significantly from levels in controls subj ects. These data support the specificity of low plasma GABA as a marke r for mood disorders.