Citation

Hughes JH, Dunne F, Young AH. Br. J. Psychiatry 2000; 177: 447-451.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.177.5.447

PMID

11059999

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that brain serotonin neurotransmission may mediate the actions of lithium carbonate. Acute tryptophan depletion reduces brain serotonin and allows the study of this neurotransmitter in patient groups. AIMS: To examine the effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients who were symptomatically stable on lithium.

METHOD: Nineteen subjects satisfying DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder 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 overnight 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 acute tryptophan depletion.

CONCLUSIONS: Acute tryptophan depletion does not reverse lithium's effects on mood and suicidality in bipolar disorder.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Affect/*drug effects/physiology; Antimanic Agents/*pharmacology/therapeutic use; Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy/*metabolism/psychology; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Lithium Carbonate/*pharmacology/therapeutic use; Lithium/blood; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychometrics; Serotonin/physiology; Suicide/*psychology; Tryptophan/blood/*deficiency