Tryptophan depletion in recently manic patients treated with lithium.
BACKGROUND
Serotonin has been repeatedly implicated in the mechanism of action of lithium against acute mania. Its role, however, has never been directly confirmed.


METHODS
We studied recently manic patients successfully treated with lithium using a tryptophan depletion methodology.


RESULTS
Patients remained euthymic despite a confirmed decrease in serum tryptophan levels.


CONCLUSIONS
These data do not suggest that serotonin plays a critical role in the acute antimanic effect of lithium.
Cassidy
F
F
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Murry
E
E
Carroll
B J
BJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000097:blood*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014364:Tryptophan; D008094:Lithium