Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients symptomatically stable on lithium

Citation
Jh. Hughes et al., Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients symptomatically stable on lithium, BR J PSYCHI, 177, 2000, pp. 447-451
Citations number
29
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry,"Clinical Psycology & Psychiatry","Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
ISSN journal
0007-1250 → ACNP
Volume
177
Year of publication
2000
Pages
447 - 451
Database
ISI
SICI code
0007-1250(200011)177:<447:EOATDO>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Background Previous studies suggest that brain serotonin neurotransmission may mediate the actions of lithium carbonate. Acute tryptophan depletion re duces brain serotonin and allows the study of this neurotransmitter in pati ent groups. Aims To examine the effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suici dal ideation in bipolar patients who were symptomatically stable on lithium . Method Nineteen subjects satisfying DSM - IV criteria for bipolar I disorde r participated in a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled random -order crossover study. Symptoms were evaluated following acute tryptophan depletion. which was induced by a 100 g amino acid drink following an overn ight fast. Results Plasma tryptophan fell significantly after the depleting drink, but not after the control drink (P < 0.05, paired t-test, mean reduction 83%). No significant changes in mood or suicidality scores were recorded after a cute tryptophan depletion. Conclusions Acute tryptophan depletion does not reverse lithium's effects o n mood and suicidality in bipolar disorder. Declaration of interest Funded by the Theodore and Vada Stanley Foundation.