Impaired platelet [3H]paroxetine binding in female patients with borderline personality disorder

Abstract

There have been few studies of platelet paroxetine binding in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Our aim was to determine whether female BPD subjects show abnormalities in platelet paroxetine binding. Twenty-one female BPD subjects and 16 age- and gender-matched normal control subjects were assessed using the following: (1) Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines, Revised, (2) Diagnostic Assessment for Personality Pathology: Brief Questionnaire, and (3) Barratt Impulsivity Scale. Platelets were collected and assayed for platelet paroxetine binding. Bmax was lower in the BPD group (p < 0.0001), but differences in Kd only reached a trend level. There were no associations with trait dimensions independent of diagnosis. Reduced platelet paroxetine binding in female BPD patients may reflect presynaptic serotonin dysfunction.