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Plasma Tryptophan Concentration in Depressive Illness and Mania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

M. Peet
Affiliation:
Royal Dundee Liff Hospital, Dundee, DD2 5NF
J. P. Moody
Affiliation:
Royal Dundee Liff Hospital, Dundee, DD2 5NF
E. P. Worrall
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN
P. Walker
Affiliation:
Royal Dundee Liff Hospital, Dundee, DD2 5NF
G. J. Naylor
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN

Summary

Total and free plasma tryptophan levels were measured in depressive and manic patients before and after recovery. No change was found in total or free plasma tryptophan concentration on recovery from depressive illness. Free plasma tryptophan levels were higher in recovered manics than in active manics, and a group of four manic patients tested before and after recovery showed a significant increase in free plasma tryptophan concentration on recovery.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1976 

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