Patients with pathological degrees of anxiety who meet DSM III-R criteria for panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia; generalized anxiety disorder; or social phobia are evaluated using psychological, physiological, and biochemical methodologies. Patients with major affective illness, particularly those with a significant anxiety component, are also eligible for participation in the program. Particular attention is given to the role of the noradrenergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems as assessed by: 1) measurement of the metabolites MHPG and HVA in plasma; 2) adrenergic receptor number and function in platelets; and 3) neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine and antagonist yohimbine and the serotonin agonist m- chlororphenylpiperazine (MCPP). Research investigating the relationship of noradrenergic and adenosinergic function to other neurotransmitter systems and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis also has been initiated. Caffeine and nifedipine challenges are administered to assess their behavioral and biochemical effects. Other approaches to understanding the pathophysiology of anxiety and its potential treatment with alprazolam, carbamazepine, clonidine, imipramine and verapamil will be explored. An animal model using genetically """"""""nervous"""""""" and """"""""normal"""""""" pointer dogs has been developed and studied in relation to noradrenergic and adenosinergic function.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01MH000071-08
Application #
3944612
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code