RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIAL SUPPORT TO [H-3] IMIPRAMINE BINDING DURING ANDAFTER EXAMINATION STRESS

The relationship between social support, depressive symptoms and the m aximal binding capacity of [H-3]imipramine (B(max)) in platelets was e xamined in medical students during and after a period of examination s tress. There was a positive correlation between the students' percepti on of their social support and [H-3]imipramine B(max) values during ex aminations, and their perception of social support contributed signifi cantly to the prediction of B(max) by depressive symptomatology. The r esults suggest that psychosocial factors may be associated with altera tions in serotonergic neurotransmission, rendering an individual more physiologically vulnerable to psychological disturbances.