The Role of GABA and Neurosteroids in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2008-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of the study proposed is to investigate the role of neurosteroids and GABA in the
pathophysiology and treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by 1) measuring
cortical gama-aminobutyric acid levels (GABA levels) using nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy (MRS) during the follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle pre and
post treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac®,
Sarafem®), and 2) correlating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma GABA and neurosteroid
levels with cortical GABA levels at these same time points. Neurosteroids to be measured
include allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, and pregnenolone sulfate. Findings from women with
PMDD will be compared to those of healthy subjects.