Observations placeholder
Influence of rapid tryptophan depletion on laboratory-provoked aggression in children with ADHD
Identifier
017324
Type of Spiritual Experience
None
Background
In effect, low trytophan causes aggressive behaviour in children [with or without ADHD], but the problem is exacerbated in ADHD children because they have been given amphetamines in the form of ADHD drugs that tend to destroy serotonin receptors.
[The healing solution is to provide tryptophan rich foods]
A description of the experience
Neuropsychobiology. 2007;56(2-3):104-10. doi: 10.1159/000112951. Epub 2008 Jan 10.
Influence of rapid tryptophan depletion on laboratory-provoked aggression in children with ADHD.
Stadler C1, Zepf FD, Demisch L, Schmitt M, Landgraf M, Poustka F.
BACKGROUND:
The present study investigated the effects of rapid tryptophan depletion (RTD), and the ensuing reduction of central nervous system levels of serotonin (5-HT), upon reactive aggression in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, it was asked whether the relation between 5-HT function and behavioural aggression in patients is influenced by their age, the intensity of their attention problems or their comorbid symptoms.
METHODS:
The study employed a double-blind, within-subject crossover design. On day 1, 22 male adolescent patients with ADHD were subjected to RTD and the subsequent reduction of central 5-HT levels. On day 2, they received a tryptophan-balanced amino acid mixture (BAL), which acted as a placebo. On both days, 4.5 h after the intake of the RTD/BAL amino acids, reactive aggressive behaviour was provoked using a competitive reaction time game, which consisted of both high and low provocation conditions.
RESULTS:
The number of aggressive responses was significantly higher after low provocation during acute tryptophan depletion, in comparison to the placebo. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that neither age nor the intensity of attention symptoms in ADHD patients had an impact on the relation between 5-HT and reactive aggression.
CONCLUSION:
This study indicates that in children with ADHD, there is an inverse relationship between 5-HT and aggression.
2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
PMID: 18182830