title: L-tryptophan in depression.
abstract: L-tryptophan, the amino acid precursor of serotonin, was administered to 16 depressive patients in a double-blind study of its potential antidepressant efficacy. Antidepressant responses were observed in one of ten unipolar patients and in three of six bipolar patients. These results are discussed in the context of possible interactions of amines with electrolyte systems in the etiology of affective illness.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010624:Phenelzine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013997:Time Factors; D014191:Tranylcypromine; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D010919:Placebos; D014191:Tranylcypromine; D014364:Tryptophan; D008094:Lithium; D010624:Phenelzine