engleski

Platelet 5-HT concentration and comorbid depression in posttraumatic stress disorder

Numerous neurobiological systems, including serotonergic, are involved in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study showed similar platelet serotonin (5-HT) concentration in 48 war veterans with combat related PTSD (Clinician Administered PTSD scale, CAPS>50), in 17 war veterans without PTSD (CAPS<50), and in 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The relationship between platelet 5-HT and different clusters of symptoms, determined by CAPS, Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), MADRS, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), showed no significant correlation with total scores in CAPS, DTS, MADRS, HAS, or scores in re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance and numbing, or hyperarousal symptoms in CAPS, or severity and frequency symptoms in DTS, and no association with age in war veterans with or without PTSD, or in control subjects, respectively. Platelet 5-HT concentration differed significantly in war veterans with PTSD subdivided according to the severoty of appetite loss, but was alike in war veterans subdivided into groups with other depressive symptoms (insomnia, depressed and anxious mood, concentration difficulties, suicidality, and weight loss, according to MADRS or HAS). The comorbid depression occurred more frequently in war veterans with than without PTSD, and affected platelet 5-HT concentration in subgroups with appetite loss, suicidality and depressed mood. Platelet 5-HT was significantly correlated to the severity of appetite loss symptoms in war veterans with PTSD, but was not related to other clusters of symptoms. Concentration difficulties occurred more frequently in war veterans with than without PTSD, but other particular symptoms did not differ in their frequency. Our results suggest that some symptoms that appear in PTSD and comorbid depression, might be linked to the alterations in 5-HT function, and support the presumptions that serotonergic system could be involved in the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of PTSD.

posttraumatic stress disorder; platelet serotonin concentration; war veterans; combat related PTSD

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