The advent of highly effective antipanic medications with specific
serotonin reuptake inhibition as a mechanism of action has prompted the
need for new pathophysiological models of panic disorder. The authors
attempt an integration of the emerging basic science literature regarding
the neuro-anatomy and physiology of the mammalian central serotonin nervous
system, its influence on neural substrates that underlie fear and defense
responses, and the clinical literature pertaining to serotonin-related
abnormalities in panic disorder. A neuro-anatomical model for the potential
sites of action of the specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors in panic
disorder is proposed.Abstract Teaser