Serotonergic functioning and trait-impulsivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disordered boys (ADHD): influence of rapid tryptophan depletion

✍ Scribed by Florian Daniel Zepf; Christina Stadler; Lothar Demisch; Marcus Schmitt; Meike Landgraf; Fritz Poustka

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 122 KB
• Volume: 23
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0885-6222
• DOI: 10.1002/hup.896

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Objective

The present study investigated the effects of rapid tryptophan depletion (RTD) and the ensuing reduction of central nervous levels of serotonin (5‐HT) on reactive aggression with respect to personality factors comprising aspects of trait‐impulsivity and ‐aggression in boys with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Twenty‐two male adolescent patients with ADHD received the RTD test on one day, and, on another day a tryptophan balanced placebo in a double‐blind within‐subject crossover design. Impulsive personality factors and trait‐impulsivity were assessed in advance of the study. Aggression was provoked using a competitive reaction time game 270 min after RTD/placebo intake.

Results

RTD had a significant effect on increased aggressive behaviour with which low‐grade impulsive patients responded. High‐grade impulsive patients were not affected by RTD or even responded with increased aggressive behaviour while receiving placebo treatment.

Conclusions

The present study supports the hypothesis that 5‐HT functioning in ADHD patients influences reactive aggression depending on aspects of trait‐impulsivity. Future studies are necessary in order to detect the specific influence of ADHD as regards the relevance to 5‐HT‐induced changed aggressive responding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.