Year: 2000 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.177, (November 2000), p.447-451 SIEC No: 20010928

This study examined the effects of acute tryptophan depletion on mood and suicidal ideation in bipolar patients who were symptomatically stable on lithium. 19 subjects 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 amino acid drink following an overnight fast. Plasma tryptophan fell significantly after the depleting drink but not after the control drink. No significant changes in mood or suicidality scores were recorded after acute tryptophan depletion. (29 refs.)