title: Effects of L-5-hydroxytryptophan in autistic children.
abstract: Behavioral effects of L-5-Hydroxytrophan (L-5-HTP), administered in combination with carbidopa, were evaluated in three autistic children using direct behavioral observation and parent ratings. Children were assessed under each of four experimental conditions: Baseline, Placebo I, L-5-HTP plus carbidopa, and Placebo II. During the 20-week study two children showed behavioral change that appeared to be unrelated to drug treatment. The findings did not support the hypothesis that a functional deficit in brain 5-HT underlies the autistic syndrome.
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D012917:Social Adjustment; D014705:Verbal Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan; D002230:Carbidopa