Body temperature in patients with panic disorder treated with escitalopram

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of escitalopram on peripheral body temperature(PBT) in panic disorder. In a 4 week case–control study (N = 12 female patients; N = 12 matched healthy controls), the daytime PBT declined compared to night time PBT in patients. The prospective relationship between PBT and panic disorder shows a decline of daytime PBT compared to the night time PBT in panic disorder from week 2 of treatment with escitalopram onwards. The effect of escitalopram on daytime PBT may have occurred through an activation of the sympathetic system.