5-htp and Depression

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
The Natural Antidepressant

Everyone feels down from time to time, however, if your depressed mood lasts more than two weeks or substantially interferes with your daily activities, it may be something more serious: Major Depressive Disorder.

The following is the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C., 1994.

Note: This list of criteria is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any type of disorder. Please consult a mental health care professional for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnostic Criteria

At least one of the following three abnormal moods which significantly interfered with the person's life: Abnormal depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. Abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. If 18 or younger, abnormal irritable mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. At least five of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2 week depressed period. Abnormal depressed mood (or irritable mood if a child or adolescent) [as defined in criterion A]. Abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure [as defined in criterion A2]. Appetite or weight disturbance, either: Abnormal weight loss (when not dieting) or decrease in appetite. Abnormal weight gain or increase in appetite. Sleep disturbance, either abnormal insomnia or abnormal hypersomnia. Activity disturbance, either abnormal agitation or abnormal slowing (observable by others). Abnormal fatigue or loss of energy. Abnormal self-reproach or inappropriate guilt. Abnormal poor concentration or indecisiveness. Abnormal morbid thoughts of death (not just fear of dying) or suicide.

For additional criteria and information, click here. If you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, consider taking this self-evaluation test.

Depression is not simply imagined. It is not a personality weakness and it cannot be "willed" away any more than a heart condition or diabetes can be "willed away." It is a real medical disorder resulting from chemical imbalances in the brain. The good news is, help is available.

A breakthrough in the treatment of depression came with the development of the SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Prozac^®. These effective antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin level in the brain, which is many times found to be low in those with depression. There is, however, a natural alternative to SSRIs that may also increase the brain's serotonin level: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP readily passes into the brain where it is converted into serotonin.

Since the early 1970s, at least 15 studies involving 511 subjects have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP on depression. The overall results of these studies showed a significant improvement in 56% of the subjects.

One such study that examined the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant involved 59 depressed patients who where given 150-300 mg of 5-HTP daily. The result was astounding. 40 of the patients (68%) showed a favorable response, most within one week.

In 1991 a study involving 36 subjects compared the effectiveness of 5-HTP to an SSRI. One group was given 5-HTP, while another group was given an SSRI. After six weeks, both groups showed about the same success rate. When the numbers were totaled at the end of the study, the mean percentage was slightly greater for patients treated with 5-HTP. Adverse affects where found to be mild, usually disappearing within the first few days, with 5-HTP being more well tolerated then the SSRI. Tolerance of 5-HTP was assessed as being good or very good in 95% of the patience.

As a side note, some researchers have found the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant to be increased when combined with L-tyrosine.

It is certainly not advisable to discontinue a drug treatment regime without first consulting with your medical provider. However, if you suspect that you suffer from depression and are leery of current medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac^®), 5-HTP may be the natural alternative that you are looking for.

5-HTP is Available Online ...from people that you trust!

*The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

PROZAC is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.