Corticotropin-Releasing Factor, Interleukin-6, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and Substance P in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Civilians With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Before and After Treatment With Paroxetine

Chronic, moderate PTSD due to civilian trauma, without psychotic symptoms and without significant rates of comorbid depression, alcohol dependence, or substance dependence, is not associated with abnormalities in CSF CRF, IL-6, BDNF, IGF-1, or substance P levels. Despite substantial reduction in PTSD symptoms, antidepressant treatment does not alter normal central concentrations of these neurochemicals, with the possible exception of substance P.