Tryptophan in the treatment of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder: a pilot study

Thirteen patients diagnosed during two menstrual cycles as suffering from late luteal phase dysphoric disorder were then followed in an open pilot study for a further three cycles. During one complete cycle, baseline levels of symptoms were obtained. During the next three cycles, the patients were treated with L-tryptophan, six grams per day. L-tryptophan treatment was associated with a significant amelioration of symptoms with only mild side effects. These data suggest that L-tryptophan should be tested at a dose of six grams of L-tryptophan per day in a placebo-controlled study in patients with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder who suffer from symptoms such as depression, irritability, insomnia and carbohydrate craving, which may respond to potentiation of serotonin function.