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

2007; Wiley; Volume: 23; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/hup.896

1099-1077

Florian Daniel Zepf, Christina Stadler, L. Demisch, Marcus Schmitt, M. Landgraf, Fritz Poustka,

Behavioral and Psychological Studies

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.