TRYPTOPHAN DEPLETION IN RECENTLY MANIC PATIENTS TREATED WITH LITHIUM

Background: Serotonin has been repeatedly implicated in the mechanism of action of lithium against acute mania. Its role, however, has never been directly confirmed. Methods: We studied recently manic patients successfully treated with lithium using a tryptophan depletion methodo logy. Results: Patients remained euthymic despite a confirmed decrease in serum tryptophan levels. Conclusions: These data do not suggest th at serotonin plays a critical role in the acute antimanic effect of li thium. (C) 1998 Society of Biological Psychiatry.