The effects of acute tryptophan depletion on impulsivity and mood in adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury

Objective Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with impaired emotion regulation and impulsivity. Low serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) function is associated with NSSI, impaired emotion regulation and impulsivity. We investigated the effects of experimentally lowered 5-hydroxytryptamine activity, via acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), on impulsive action, reflection impulsivity and mood in female adolescents engaging in NSSI. Methods Thirty-two female adolescents engaging in NSSI participated in a parallel group ATD study. Following ATD, impulsive action was assessed using the Continuous Performance Test, Identical Pairs Version. Reflection impulsivity was assessed using the Matching Familiar Figures Test. Mood-lowering was examined using the Profile of Mood States. Results Following ATD, the participants showed an impulsive response style (as reflected in their low beta) and increased attentional capacity (as reflected in their elevated d'). ATD did not affect reflection impulsivity or mood. Conclusions Acute tryptophan depletion caused an impulsive response style and increased attentional capacity. Importantly, the findings suggest that low serotonin function is a vulnerability among female adolescents for engaging in NSSI when in emotional distress. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.