Lack of relapse with tryptophan depletion following successful treatment with ECT.
OBJECTIVE
Although the antidepressant mechanism of ECT is unknown, there are considerable data to support serotonergic involvement. The effects of tryptophan depletion were studied in patients with major depression treated successfully with ECT.


METHODS
Five patients who had been successfully treated with ECT for major depression were studied in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design comparing tryptophan depletion to a placebo procedure.


RESULTS
No effect of tryptophan depletion on mood symptoms was observed despite more than an 85% decrease in total serum tryptophan.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that presynaptic serotonin availability may not be necessary for the acute maintenance of an antidepressant response to ECT.
Cassidy
F
F
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
Murry
E
E
Weiner
R D
RD
Carroll
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D012008:Recurrence; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*
D000596:Amino Acids; D010919:Placebos; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan