Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Serum Cortisol Levels in Major Affective Disorders. II. Relation to Suicide, Psychosis, and Depressive Symptoms

Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher after administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 200 mg orally, in unmedicated patients with affective disorders than in controls. The serum cortisol response was greater in 4 depressed & 3 manic patients who made suicide attempts than in 33 patients who were not suicidal or only had suicidal thoughts.Absence of psychotic symptoms & commission of suicidal acts were associated with increased cortisol response to 5-HTP in the depressed patients.