Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients symptomatically stable on lithium.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies suggest that brain serotonin neurotransmission may mediate the actions of lithium carbonate. Acute tryptophan depletion reduces brain serotonin and allows the study of this neurotransmitter in patient groups.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients who were symptomatically stable on lithium.


METHODS
Nineteen subjects satisfying DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder participated in a within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled random-order crossover study. Symptoms were evaluated following acute tryptophan depletion, which was induced by a 100 g amino acid drink following an overnight fast.


RESULTS
Plasma tryptophan fell significantly after the depleting drink, but not after the control drink (P < 0.05, paired t-test, mean reduction 83%). No significant changes in mood or suicidality scores were recorded after acute tryptophan depletion.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute tryptophan depletion does not reverse lithium's effects on mood and suicidality in bipolar disorder.
Hughes
J H
JH
Department of Psychiatry, Hadrian Clinic, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Dunne
F
F
Young
A H
AH
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D008094:Lithium