Determined plasma cortisol levels, platelet levels of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors, and anxiety and depression scores in 11 civilians exposed to repeated missile attacks during the Persian Gulf war. The density of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors was lower before and during the war than 4 wks after the end of the war. Relief of stress led to an increase in receptors, which correlated with the improvement in anxiety but not mood.