Role of bone densitometry in patients taking selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors: An observational study

Purpose of the study were to evaluate the effect of selective serotonine reuptake inhibitor therapy on bone density in patients affected by panic disorder and and to detect a correlation with ostheoporosis risk factors such as treatment duration, body mass index and smoking. 27 postmenopausal female patients (age range 52-66 yo) diagnosed with panic and treated with selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (escitalopram, citalopram or paroxetine) for at least 18 months were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent anamnesis for smoking, clinical exam, Body Mass Index and a bone densitometry with DEXA (Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry) examination of femoral neck and lumbar spine. We had a significant (p-value=2.86∙10-4) and good linear correlation (R = 0.644) between BMD (body mineral density) and BMI (body mass index). There weren’t significant differences in relation to therapy times, while paroxetine therapy was linked to the high osteoporosis score. In conclusion, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors therapy, in patients with panic disorder, is associated with a bone densitometry value that correspond to a condition of osteopenia/osteoporosis and an increased risk of pathological fractures.