Predictors of mood response to acute tryptophan depletion. A reanalysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #affect #depressive-disorder #female #forecasting

Predictors of mood response to acute tryptophan depletion. A reanalysis

Booij et al., 2002 | Neuropsychopharmacology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Booij Linda, Van der Does Willem, ... Van der Kloot Willem A. Predictors of mood response to acute tryptophan depletion. A reanalysis. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002-Nov;27(5):852-61

Abstract

Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) induces depressive symptoms in 50-60% of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treated, recovered depressed patients. However, no reliable predictors of mood response to ATD have been established. In the present study, individual subject data of six ATD studies were pooled ('mega-analysis') in order to investigate the mediating role of clinical, demographic and biochemical characteristics in the mood response to ATD. A procedure was developed to make different versions of the Hamilton scale comparable. Recurrent depressive episodes, female gender, prior exposure to SSRI antidepressant treatment and previous serious suicidal thoughts/attempts all appear to be independent predictors of mood response to ATD. Chronicity of illness is the most powerful predictor. Residual symptoms of depression were not found to predict response to ATD. ATD may be useful to study the mechanism of action of SSRI antidepressants and individual biological vulnerability of the serotonin system. Whether the effects of ATD represent a reversal of the action of SSRI antidepressants or individual vulnerability probably depends upon the timing of the procedure in the course of remission of a depressive episode.

Key Findings

Whether the effects of ATD represent a reversal of the action of SSRI antidepressants or individual vulnerability probably depends upon the timing of the procedure in the course of remission of a depressive episode.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Regression Analysis
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Sex Factors
  • Tryptophan

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: tryptophan-sleep

Provenance

  • PMID: 12431859
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09