OBJECTIVE: The anxiogenic and panicogenic effects of peripheral administration of the cholecystokinin-B receptor agonist pentagastrin and placebo were evaluated in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal comparison subjects. METHODS:Seven patients with generalized anxiety disorder and seven age- and sex-matched normal subjects received an intravenous bolus of placebo and pentagastrin. RESULTS:Panic attacks occurred in five patients with generalized anxiety disorder (71%) and in one normal subject (14%). Patients with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report more nonpanic anxiety than were normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with generalized anxiety disorder appear to exhibit greater subjective sensitivity to pentagastrin than do normal subjects.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The anxiogenic and panicogenic effects of peripheral administration of the cholecystokinin-B receptor agonist pentagastrin and placebo were evaluated in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal comparison subjects. METHODS: Seven patients with generalized anxiety disorder and seven age- and sex-matched normal subjects received an intravenous bolus of placebo and pentagastrin. RESULTS:Panic attacks occurred in five patients with generalized anxiety disorder (71%) and in one normal subject (14%). Patients with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report more nonpanic anxiety than were normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with generalized anxiety disorder appear to exhibit greater subjective sensitivity to pentagastrin than do normal subjects.