CSF opioids in panic disorder

Investigation of the potential role for endogenous opiates as a modulator of anxiety states has yielded variable results. Increased plasma [3-endorphin has been reported accompanying surgical stress (Pickar et al 1982) and with high anxiety ratings in women during menstruation (Veith et al 1984). Can" et al (1986) found no significant change in plasma [3-endorphin during lactate infusion before and after treatment with alprazolam in panic disorder patients or controls but did note a slight decrease in 13-endorphin over time secondary to acclimatiza~'ion. Dager et al (1989) found higher 13-endorphin levels in panic disorder than in depressed patients and a slight decrease in plasma [3-endorphin during lactate infusion in panic disorder patients, depressed patients, and controls. George et al (1989) found significantly higher