Posted by Steeler Tookahn on June 4, 2001, at 17:28:29
In reply to Re: tryptophan depletion challenge » Lorraine, posted by Elizabeth on June 4, 2001, at 16:29:01
I participated in a Tryptophan depletion study. It was done at the Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, a research unit affiliated with Yale University, in New Haven CT. For several days we ate a diet deficient in tryptophan and then we were given a drink loaded with amino acids (essential and otherwise) but with no tryptophan. The depression most of us experienced was profound. I was immobilized –they watch you every second, so you’re not in danger. After a certain amount of time we were given a large dose of intravenous tryptophan. This usually had the effect of reversing the effects, for some people, even to feeling better than before the experiment began. I had an anomalous reaction and felt worse after the tryptophan. One of the researchers explained to me that occasionally the rapid “jolt” of tryptophan that we received seemed to trigger some sort of “braking” mechanism, so the body actually lowered the serum level of tryptophan temporarily. It only lasted about an hour.
Unfortunately, I don’t know if the study answered any questions about who might be more susceptible to a reduction in tryptophan –what depressive symptoms might indicate a more severe response and therefore, possibly, be most helped by tryptophan.
From what I saw, nearly all of the patients suffering from depression had their symptoms exacerbated by the test. A few did not. Medical students were used as a control group to study the effects on a depression-free population. Nearly none of them seemed to be bothered by the test –other than upset stomach and a few headaches. One of the students I got to know was quiet the whole day and I finally asked him what was the matter. He said, “I took that test yesterday and it was horrible. Now I know what you people go through”.
That really struck me. It’s as if the test could precipitate a depressant effect in those who might be predisposed. It held out a lot of hope that biological markers would soon be found and “types” of depression would be uncovered. This study was done in the late 80’s and unfortunately we don’t seem to have come very far in that area.
At some point, if I can find it, I’ll post a link, or the the actual abstract, of the study.
poster:Steeler Tookahn
thread:59082
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/65392.html