RESUMO
The authors examine the role of the serotonergic system in the modulation or genesis of obsessive compulsive disorder and the potential for the use of the new serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors in its treatment. The data available are still preliminary, but are accumulating rapidly, and appear to hold promise in helping to understand this disorder and treat it more effectively. An overview of the data available is presented to assist in the planning of future research in this subject area. At least six major questions need to be addressed by future work: (1) What are the major hypotheses regarding the involvement of the serotonin system in the modulation or genesis of OCD? (2) Is there a serotonin system defect associated with OCD? (3) Is a serotonin system defect the underlying cause of OCD? (4) Are serotonin reuptake inhibitors effective in the treatment of OCD? (5) Are the effects of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are effective in treating OCD mediated via the serotonin system or via another mechanism? and (6) Are these drugs worth pursuing as treatment of OCD?
Assuntos
Antidepressivos/uso terapêutico , Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo/tratamento farmacológico , Antagonistas da Serotonina/uso terapêutico , Adolescente , Adulto , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Humanos , Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo/fisiopatologia , Serotonina/fisiologiaRESUMO
The authors review the role of the serotonergic system in panic disorder and the potential for use of the new serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors in treating panic disorder. Data currently available are only preliminary but suggest a future potential for this class of drug in the treatment of panic/anxiety disorders. The authors present a succinct and comprehensive overview of the data available, which aims to assist in the planning of future research in this area.
Assuntos
Antidepressivos/uso terapêutico , Transtornos de Ansiedade/tratamento farmacológico , Medo , Pânico , Antagonistas da Serotonina/uso terapêutico , Transtornos de Ansiedade/fisiopatologia , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Humanos , Serotonina/fisiologiaRESUMO
Presymptomatic genetic testing for Huntington's disease has been available since 1986. Recent discovery of the distinct gene by the Huntington's Disease Collaborative Research Group will probably simplify testing and encourage more people to pursue it. Unfortunately advances in treatment lag behind genetics diagnosis capabilities. The individual at risk faces pursuing a test for a disease for which there is no cure, only limited treatment. The emotional aspects are reviewed of individuals being tested at the Regional Genetic Program at the University of South Florida from May 1988 until April 1993.