The role of neuroactive steroids in anxiety disorders

Abstract

Given that neuroactive steroids modulate the activity of a number of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders (including GABAA and NMDA receptors), it is not surprising that increasing evidence suggests that levels of some neuroactive steroids may be altered in individuals suffering from these disorders. This chapter will provide an in-depth summary of the findings regarding neuroactive steroid abnormalities in panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, generalized social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder. How these abnormalities may be related to illness symptoms or whether they may reflect compensatory mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis will be explored. Furthermore, the regulation of steroidal abnormalities by drugs used to treat the above-mentioned disorders will be discussed. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.