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Pearson R, Koslov S, Hamilton B, Shumake J, Carver CS, Beevers CG. Acetaminophen enhances the reflective learning process. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 13:1029-1035. [PMID: 30371904 PMCID: PMC6204487 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen has been shown to influence cognitive and affective behavior possibly via alterations in serotonin function. This study builds upon this previous work by examining the relationship between acetaminophen and dual-learning systems, comprising reflective (rule-based) and reflexive (information-integration) processing. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a sample of community-recruited adults (N = 87) were randomly administered acetaminophen (1000 mg) or placebo and then completed reflective-optimal and reflexive-optimal category learning tasks. For the reflective-optimal category learning task, acetaminophen compared to placebo was associated with enhanced accuracy prior to the first rule switch (but not overall accuracy), with needing fewer trials to reach criterion and with a faster learning rate. Acetaminophen modestly attenuated performance on the reflexive-optimal category learning task compared to placebo. These findings indirectly support two positions that have been proposed elsewhere. First, they are consistent with the view that acetaminophen has an influence on the serotonergic system. Second, the findings are consistent with a proposed link between elevated serotonin function and relative dominance of effortful, rule-based processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Pearson
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Seth Koslov
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Bethany Hamilton
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Jason Shumake
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | | | - Christopher G Beevers
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
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Serotonin functioning and adolescents' alcohol use: A genetically informed study examining mechanisms of risk. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 30:213-233. [PMID: 28534453 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941700058x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The current study used data from two longitudinal samples to test whether self-regulation, depressive symptoms, and aggression/antisociality were mediators in the relation between a polygenic score indexing serotonin (5-HT) functioning and alcohol use in adolescence. The results from an independent genome-wide association study of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid were used to create 5-HT polygenic risk scores. Adolescents and/or parents reported on adolescents' self-regulation (Time 1), depressive symptoms (Time 2), aggression/antisociality (Time 2), and alcohol use (Time 3). The results showed that 5-HT polygenic risk did not predict self-regulation. However, adolescents with higher levels of 5-HT polygenic risk showed greater depression and aggression/antisociality. Adolescents' aggression/antisociality mediated the relation between 5-HT polygenic risk and later alcohol use. Deficits in self-regulation also predicted depression and aggression/antisociality, and indirectly predicted alcohol use through aggression/antisociality. Pathways to alcohol use were especially salient for males from families with low parental education in one of the two samples. The results provide insights into the longitudinal mechanisms underlying the relation between 5-HT functioning and alcohol use (i.e., earlier aggression/antisociality). There was no evidence that genetically based variation in 5-HT functioning predisposed individuals to deficits in self-regulation. Genetically based variation in 5-HT functioning and self-regulation might be separate, transdiagnostic risk factors for several types of psychopathology.
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Carver CS, Scheier MF. Self-Regulatory Functions Supporting Motivated Action. ADVANCES IN MOTIVATION SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adms.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Steenbergen L, Jongkees BJ, Sellaro R, Colzato LS. Tryptophan supplementation modulates social behavior: A review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 64:346-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Nantel-Vivier A, Pihl RO, Young SN, Parent S, Bélanger SA, Sutton R, Dubois ME, Tremblay RE, Séguin JR. Serotonergic contribution to boys' behavioral regulation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20304. [PMID: 21673801 PMCID: PMC3105989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Animal and human adult studies reveal a contribution of serotonin to behavior regulation. Whether these findings apply to children is unclear. The present study investigated serotonergic functioning in boys with a history of behavior regulation difficulties through a double-blind, acute tryptophan supplementation procedure. Method Participants were 23 boys (age 10 years) with a history of elevated physical aggression, recruited from a community sample. Eleven were given a chocolate milkshake supplemented with 500mg tryptophan, and 12 received a chocolate milkshake without tryptophan. Boys engaged in a competitive reaction time game against a fictitious opponent, which assessed response to provocation, impulsivity, perspective taking, and sharing. Impulsivity was further assessed through a Go/No-Go paradigm. A computerized emotion recognition task and a staged instrumental help incident were also administered. Results Boys, regardless of group, responded similarly to high provocation by the fictitious opponent. However, boys in the tryptophan group adjusted their level of responding optimally as a function of the level of provocation, whereas boys in the control group significantly decreased their level of responding towards the end of the competition. Boys in the tryptophan group tended to show greater perspective taking, tended to better distinguish facial expressions of fear and happiness, and tended to provide greater instrumental help to the experimenter. Conclusions The present study provides initial evidence for the feasibility of acute tryptophan supplementation in children and some effect of tryptophan supplementation on children's behaviors. Further studies are warranted to explore the potential impact of increased serotonergic functioning on boys' dominant and affiliative behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Nantel-Vivier
- Psychology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Unité 669, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France
- Université Paris-Sud and Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S0669, Paris, France
| | - Robert O. Pihl
- Psychology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Psychiatry Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Simon N. Young
- Psychiatry Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sophie Parent
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Sutton
- Psychology Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Dubois
- Psychology Department, Centre for Research on Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Richard E. Tremblay
- Unité 669, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France
- Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean R. Séguin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review current evidence linking amphetamine use with aggression and to consider possible factors that might underlie this association. RECENT FINDINGS Although evidence that amphetamine use is related to increased levels of aggression continues to grow, the underlying processes or mechanisms remain somewhat elusive. In this review, three possible underlying factors are considered. Neurotoxic, pharmacological effects of amphetamine on the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems are related to aggressive, hostile behavior in both animal and human studies. Of particular interest is the converging evidence that amphetamine use is related to impairment in executive functions (including self-control) that are regulated by the prefrontal cortex. Taken together, these findings suggest that amphetamine users may have an impaired capacity to control or inhibit aggressive impulses. Furthermore, high levels of impulsivity related to amphetamine use may also play a role. Finally, amphetamine use is associated with increased positive symptoms of psychosis, particularly paranoia, that contribute to a perception of the environment as a hostile, threatening place. SUMMARY Taken separately, each of these factors may lead to an increase in aggression with increased use of amphetamine, but their interactive or synergistic effects may be particularly problematic.
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Young SN, aan het Rot M, Pinard G, Moskowitz DS. The effect of tryptophan on quarrelsomeness, agreeableness, and mood in everyday life. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ics.2007.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Suarez EC, Krishnan KRR. The relation of free plasma tryptophan to anger, hostility, and aggression in a nonpatient sample of adult men and women. Ann Behav Med 2006; 31:254-60. [PMID: 16700639 DOI: 10.1207/s15324796abm3103_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of central nervous system serotonergic (5-HT) activity is implicated in behavioral states and psychological traits associated with depression and aggression, with some studies suggesting possible gender-related differences. PURPOSE This study examined the relation of free plasma tryptophan (TRP) to aggression and depression in a sample of 138 nonsmoking adults recruited from the general community. It was hypothesized that TRP would be associated with anger, hostility, and aggression. METHODS To minimize effects of diurnal variation and menstrual cycle, fasting blood samples were collected in the morning, and, for women, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Participants were administered questionnaires following blood draw. Plasma TRP was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS In women, but not men, higher levels of TRP were associated with trait hostility, propensity for anger, a tendency to express anger outwardly, and an antagonistic interpersonal style. For men and women, greater severity of depressive symptoms, anger, and the verbal expression of anger were associated with higher TRP. These associations were independent of age, body mass index, fasting albumin, and race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that in women, but not men, higher plasma levels of TRP, the precursor to 5-HT, are associated with anger-hostility-aggression and that these associations are independent of various potential confounds. Implications of these observations to studies employing acute TRP depletion studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Suarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Badawy AAB. Alcohol and violence and the possible role of serotonin. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2003; 13:31-44. [PMID: 14624270 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is undisputed evidence linking alcohol consumption and violence and other forms of aggressive behaviour, and also linking aggression with dysfunction of the brain indolylamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT). Alcohol consumption also causes major disturbances in the metabolism of brain serotonin. In particular, acute alcohol intake depletes brain serotonin levels in normal (non-alcohol-dependent) subjects. On the basis of the above statements, it is suggested that, at the biological level, alcohol may induce aggressive behaviour in susceptible individuals, at least in part, by inducing a strong depletion of brain serotonin levels. AIMS In this article, evidence supporting these interrelationships and interactions will be summarized and discussed, the alcohol serotonin aggression hypothesis will be reiterated, and potential intervention strategies will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff, CF14 7XB, Wales, UK.
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Young SN, Leyton M. The role of serotonin in human mood and social interaction. Insight from altered tryptophan levels. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002; 71:857-65. [PMID: 11888576 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(01)00670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in brain tryptophan levels cause changes in brain serotonin synthesis, and this has been used to study the implication of altered serotonin levels in humans. In the acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) technique, subjects ingest a mixture of amino acids devoid of tryptophan. This results in a transient decline in tissue tryptophan and in brain serotonin. ATD can result in lower mood and increase in irritability or aggressive responding. The magnitude of the effect varies greatly depending on the susceptibility of the subject to lowered mood or aggressivity. Unlike ATD, tryptophan can be given chronically. Tryptophan is an antidepressant in mild to moderate depression and a small body of data suggests that it can also decrease aggression. Preliminary data indicate that tryptophan also increases dominant behavior during social interactions. Overall, studies manipulating tryptophan levels support the idea that low serotonin can predispose subjects to mood and impulse control disorders. Higher levels of serotonin may help to promote more constructive social interactions by decreasing aggression and increasing dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Young
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, H3A 1A1, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Leyton M, Ghadirian AM, Young SN, Palmour RM, Blier P, Helmers KF, Benkelfat C. Depressive relapse following acute tryptophan depletion in patients with major depressive disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2001; 14:284-7. [PMID: 11106310 DOI: 10.1177/026988110001400317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) lowers serotonin synthesis and elicits depressive symptoms in some, though not all, remitted patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In the present study, eight medication-free remitted patients with MDD, seasonal pattern, were tested twice, once following the ingestion of a tryptophan-containing mixture, once following ATD. ATD significantly increased Hamilton depression scores (p < 0.001). Four of the patients had a family history of psychiatric disorders: substance abuse (n = 4), mood disorders (n = 3) or Cluster B personality disorders (n = 3). The mood-lowering response to ATD was significantly greater in those patients with, than without, affected relatives (p < 0.001). These preliminary findings (1) support the hypothesis that depressed states are related to disturbed serotonin neurotransmission and (2) suggest that depressive symptoms following ATD might identify a subgroup of patients at high genetic risk for disorders associated with affective lability and dysregulated impulse-control, conditions thought to be related to low serotonin neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leyton
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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