Neuroendocrine effects of diazepam in panic and generalized anxiety disorders.
The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and growth hormone responses to four consecutive, logarithmically increasing doses of intravenous diazepam compared with placebo given at 15-min intervals were examined in patients with panic disorder (n = 13), generalized anxiety disorder (n = 8), and healthy controls (n = 13). Diazepam caused dose-dependent decreases in cortisol and increases in GH and dose-independent decreases in ACTH. There were no patient-control differences, possibly due to either the small sample size of the experimental paradigm, which tested subjects in an upright, sitting position in mildly arousing circumstances.
Roy-Byrne
P P
PP
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Cowley
D S
DS
Hommer
D
D
Ritchie
J
J
Greenblatt
D
D
Nemeroff
C
C
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010200:Panic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010555:Personality Inventory
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003975:Diazepam; D006854:Hydrocortisone