Allopregnanolone and GABA receptor changes with SSRI treatment in PMDD
1/2 Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
This project looks at whether hormone-related brain chemicals (like allopregnanolone) and changes in GABA receptors explain how low-dose SSRIs help women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191425 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would join a multi-site, placebo-controlled trial that follows women through the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. About 288 women will be enrolled (216 with PMDD and 72 without) and provide biological samples and clinical data during the luteal phase. The team will measure levels of allopregnanolone and related neuroactive steroids, GABA-A receptor subunit expression, and enzymes that make these neurosteroids. Some participants with PMDD will receive low-dose SSRI or placebo so researchers can see how these biological measures change with treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women of reproductive age with regular menstrual cycles who meet diagnostic criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without PMDD, those who are not menstruating regularly (including pregnant or breastfeeding people), and men are unlikely to get direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify why SSRIs help in PMDD and guide development of better or more targeted treatments for people with the condition.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies have linked neurosteroid fluctuations to PMDD and shown SSRIs can alter neurosteroid levels, but this large placebo-controlled trial combining receptor subunit and enzyme measures is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hantsoo, Liisa Victoria — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hantsoo, Liisa Victoria
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.