CCK4-induced panic in healthy subjects I: psychological and cardiovasculareffects

Sixteen healthy subjects participated in a crossover, double blind, and pla cebo-controlled study, designed to assess simultaneously the psychological and cardiovascular effects of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK4). Followin g an IV injection of 25 mu g of CCK4, 44 percent of subjects experienced sy mptoms that fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for a panic attack while no one p anicked with placebo. CCK4 induced a significantly greater number and highe r intensity of panic-like symptoms than placebo. A significant increase in state anxiety was observed in the period after CCK4 injection; this increas e was significantly larger than the non-specific anxious reaction to placeb o. CCK4 also affected cardiovascular signs. Both heart rate and mean blood pressure significantly increased after administration of CCK4. Again, these increases were significantly higher than those seen after placebo injectio n. We conclude that, in healthy subjects, CCK4 induces panic-like reaction characterized by a number of somatic, cognitive and emotional symptoms, whi ch are accompanied by increases in heart rate and blood pressure. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V./ECNP.