Elevated circulatory level of GABA_A – antagonistic neurosteroids in patients with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Chronic CR-PTSD may be associated with increased circulatory level of neuroactive steroids with inhibitory activity at the GABA(A) receptors. Neurosteroid-induced decreased GABAergic tone may be relevant to the symptomatology and pathophysiology of chronic PTSD, as well as to the frequent co-morbidity of PTSD with depression and anxiety disorders.