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Biochemical and behavioural effects of acute tryptophan depletion in abstinent bulimic subjects: a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

A. Oldman ,
A. Walsh ,
P. Salkovskis ,
C. G. Fairburn  and
P. J. Cowen
A. Oldman
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
A. Walsh
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
P. Salkovskis
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
C. G. Fairburn
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
P. J. Cowen*
Affiliation:
Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr P. J. Cowen, Psychopharmacology Research Unit, University Department of Psychiatry, Littlemore Hospital, Oxford OX4 4XN.
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Synopsis

We studied the effect of acute tryptophan (TRP) depletion in a group of eight abstinent bulimic (BN) subjects and in 12 healthy female controls. Despite being free of episodes of bingeeating and vomiting for a prolonged period, the abstinent BN subjects still appeared to practice dietary restraint as judged by their food intake in a test meal. In addition, their plasma TRP concentrations were significantly lower than those of the controls. Administration of a TRP-free amino acid load (52 g) significantly lowered plasma total and free TRP. However, compared to a balanced amino acid load, this procedure did not have significant effects on mood, appetite or food intake in either the abstinent BN subjects or the healthy controls.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 25 , Issue 5 , September 1995 , pp. 995 - 1001
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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