title: 5-Hydroxytryptamine content of the whole blood in psychiatric illness and alcoholism.
abstract: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5HT, serotonin) content of the whole blood has been measured in hospitalized groups of manic, depressed, schizophrenic and alcoholic patients; values were compared to non-psychotic controls. Only depressives had significantly different values. Alcoholics occupied an intermediate position between depressives and controls. Schizophrenics had virtually the same average level. Manic patients showed a very weak tendency toward higher values. Neuroleptic drugs in mania did not alter the blood 5HT levels, but in depression tricyclic antidepressants caused an elevation after 3 weeks of treatment. These post-treatment levels no longer differed significantly from those of non-psychotic controls.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D012701:Serotonin