Markers of oxidative stress in generalized anxiety psychiatric disorder: therapeutic implications

There is growing evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. Our aim was to measure oxidative stress in anxiety disorders subjects, and assesses the potential confounding influences of anti anxiety therapy. Serum malondialdehyde and antioxidant levels were estimated in patients at the time of presentation and also after anti- anxiety therapy for 3 months. During the period of study no antioxidant/s was given to the patients and control subjects. Serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the anxiety disorders patients in comparison to control cases. Also, the antioxidant activity of enzymes super oxide dismutase, glutathione and non enzymatic antioxidant levels of vitamins E and C were significantly lower in patients compared to controls at the initial presentation. After 3 months of anti anxiety treatment all the above parameters showed reversal in the respective levels of serum malondialdehyde and antioxidant activity. Anti anxiety medications results in reduced oxidative stress which indicates that oxidative stress is not the cause, but rather a consequence,of anxiety disorders.