1. Acute tryptophan depletion as a model of depressive relapse: behavioural specificity and ethical considerations.
- Author
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Booij, Linda, Van Der Does, A. J .Willem, Haffmans, P. M. Judith, Spinhoven, Philip, and McNally, Richard J.
- Subjects
TRYPTOPHAN ,SYMPTOMS ,PROVOCATION (Behavior) ,MENTAL depression ,SCHEMAS (Psychology) ,CROSSOVER trials ,PATIENTS ,EXPERIENCE - Abstract
Background: Acute tryptophan depletion transiently induces symptoms in those with remitted depression. The behavioural specificity is uncertain, however. Recently, symptom provocation studies have become controversial, particularly in the USA.Aims: To assess the specificity of acute tryptophan depletion. To investigate systematically the subjective experiences of those taking part in a symptom provocation study.Method: Twenty individuals with remitted depression underwent acute tryptophan depletion in a double-blind, crossover trial. Psychiatric symptoms and self-schemata relevant to depression were assessed. The quality of the informed consent procedure and subjective experiences were also evaluated.Results: Acute tryptophan depletion induced a specific depressive response. The effects were more pronounced in females than in males. Participants were quite satisfied with the informed consent procedure. They had understood that this was a fundamental research project and personal benefits were not expected. However, some participants still found it a positive experience.Conclusions: Acute tryptophan depletion is a suitable model of vulnerability to depression, from both a scientific and an ethical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2005
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