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Behavioral changes of chronic schizophrenic patients given L-5-hydroxytryptophan
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 22, 1972
Summary
L-5-hydroxytryptophan showed mild to moderate improvement in some schizophrenia patients resistant to other treatments. Further research is needed to confirm serotonin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder.
- Serotonin metabolism abnormalities are hypothesized in some schizophrenic patients.
- Phenothiazine medications are common treatments for schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of L-5-hydroxytryptophan on schizophrenia patients resistant to phenothiazine treatment.
- To explore the potential role of serotonin in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of L-5-hydroxytryptophan with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.
- Comparison with placebo in chronic undifferentiated schizophrenic patients.
- Assessment of treatment response in chronic paranoid schizophrenic patients.
Main Results:
- Six of seven treatment-resistant chronic undifferentiated schizophrenic patients showed mild to moderate improvement.
- One of four treatment-resistant chronic paranoid schizophrenic patients improved, while two worsened.
- Observed psychological changes suggest a link to increased brain serotonin levels.
Conclusions:
- L-5-hydroxytryptophan may offer benefits for some schizophrenia patients unresponsive to phenothiazines.
- Findings support the hypothesis of altered serotonin metabolism in schizophrenia.
- Alternative explanations for the observed effects require consideration.