The effect of L-tryptophan on seasonal affective disorder.
Serotonin has been implicated in the etiology of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The authors compared the effect of the serotonergic precursor L-tryptophan, placebo, and artificial evening light on 13 SAD sufferers. L-Tryptophan and light were associated with greater improvement than was placebo, but the antidepressant effects of L-tryptophan and light were not significantly different.
McGrath
R E
RE
Department of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
Buckwald
B
B
Resnick
E V
EV
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010789:Phototherapy; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012621:Seasons; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010919:Placebos; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan