TRYPTOPHAN IN THE TREATMENT OF LATE LUTEAL-PHASE DYSPHORIC DISORDER -A PILOT-STUDY

Thirteen patients diagnosed during two menstrual cycles as suffering f rom late luteal phase dysphoric disorder were then followed in an open pilot study for a further three cycles. During one complete cycle, ba seline levels of symptoms were obtained. During the next three cycles, the patients were treated with L-tryptophan, six grams per day. L-try ptophan treatment was associated with a significant amelioration of sy mptoms with only mild side effects. These data suggest that L-tryptoph an 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 dysphori c disorder who suffer from symptoms such as depression, irritability, insomnia and carbohydrate craving, which may respond to potentiation o f serotonin function.