PHENYLETHYLAMINE MODULATION OF AFFECT - THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS

A review of the literature indicates that brain phenylethylamine (PEA) may be a neuromodulator of aminergic synapses and that it promotes en ergy, elevates mood, and favors aggression. Phenylacetic acid, the mai n metabolite of PEA, is decreased in the biological fluids of depresse d subjects and schizophrenic subjects and is increased in schizoaffect ive subjects. The administration of PEA or of its precursor L-phenylal anine improves mood in depressed patients treated with a selective mon oamine oxidase B inhibitor. The authors speculate that studies of PEA metabolism may have diagnostic value and that PEA administration may b e therapeutic in selected depressed patients.