Serum pseudocholinesterase in state anxiety.

Levels of serum pseudocholinesterase in 14 medical students before and after oral examinations in psychiatry were compared. Blood samples were collected 1 hour before and 2 to 4 weeks after the oral examinations. Serum pseudocholinesterase was significantly higher in state anxiety than in relaxation. The relation between state anxiety and high levels of this enzyme was established. No significant difference was observed in pseudocholinesterase levels between students with physiologic anxiety symptoms and those without.