The impact of acute tryptophan depletion on attentional performance in adult patients with ADHD. (19th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mette, C.; Zimmermann, M.; Grabemann, M.; Abdel‐Hamid, M.; Uekermann, J.; Biskup, C. S.; Wiltfang, J.; Zepf, F. D.; Kis, B.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 128:Number 2(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2013-02-19
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.12090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="acps12090-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="acps12090-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To date, the impact of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐HT) on different neuropsychological functions in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is underinvestigated. We aimed to examine the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) and the resulting reduction in central nervous 5‐HT synthesis on target/non‐target discrimination ability and sustained attention in adults with ADHD using an AX‐Continuous Performance Test (AX‐CPT).</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12090-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Twenty male patients with ADHD (age: M = 30.25 SD = 9.37) and twenty male healthy controls (age: M = 27.90 SD = 6.01) received ATD on one day and a tryptophan‐balanced control condition (BAL) on another day in a double‐blind within‐subject crossover design. A continuous performance test (AX‐CPT) with three conditions (AX, AY, and BX) was administered on both days under depleted and sham‐depleted conditions.</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12090-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In patients omissions increased after ATD when compared with BAL. Patient's reaction time decreased after ATD when compared with BAL, which was contrasted by opposite effects in controls. Patients showed fewer correct responses (AX condition) and showed a higher rate of errors (condition AX<sub>E</sub>) independent of ATD or BAL intake.</p> </sec> <sec id="acps12090-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The present preliminary results are indicative of the contribution of serotonergic neurotransmission to attentional processes in adults with ADHD.</p> </sec> </abstract>