States of anxiety and their induction by drugs.

Abstract

Syndromes of anxiety include generalized anxiety states, various forms of phobic disorder and panic attacks. It is unclear whether panic attacks are a separate syndrome from anxiety states or a more severe form. Drug‐induced states of anxiety should provide useful models of the mechanisms of anxiety and its treatment. High‐risk populations might be identifiable. Catecholamine infusions produce marked peripheral changes without fully reproducing the central feelings. Lactate infusions also produce anxiety‐like states lacking full credibility. Experience with the benzodiazepine‐receptor contragonists, the beta‐carbolines, is limited but panic states have been reproduced following their use. Caffeine produces an anxiety state in high dose and some panic states have been induced. The critical evaluation of drug‐induced anxiety states is a promising way of elucidating the mechanisms, psychological and physiological, associated with clinical anxiety.