Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating brain disorder. It is characterized by psychotic behavior in which patients "lose touch" with reality. It is also accompanied by hallucinations, delusions, dysfunctional or "disorganized" thinking and movement disorders. Schizophrenics often experience a loss of interest in everyday activities and speak less despite efforts to make them interact. There are approximately 2.2 million people in the U.S. suffering from schizophrenia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Cause of Schizophrenia
Scientists believe that the chief cause of schizophrenia is an imbalance between the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate in the brain. This imbalance is both genetic and triggered by environmental factors. Men are at a greater risk for developing schizophrenia than women by a factor of four, according to Schizophrenia.com. It has also been found that the diagnosis of a family member with schizophrenia increases the risk of the disease in other family members.
Tryptophan and Schizophrenia
Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids required externally from your diet. It is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin in your body. Serotonin regulates the sleep pattern, emotional moods and pain control in your body. Patients with schizophrenia have been found to have low levels of tryptophan in their body. Slight improvement in the symptoms of schizophrenia has been noted after supplementation with tryptophan, MentalHelp.net reports.
Tryptophan Metabolism in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Tryptophan metabolism has emerged as an important link between dopaminergic and glutaminergic hypofunction and genetically regulated responses of the immune system in schizophrenia. A change in the metabolism of tryptophan leads to the deactivation of an inflammatory pathway that predisposes to the development of schizophrenia, an article published in "U.S. Psychiatry" reports. However, these treatments are still in the experimental phase with no tangible results reported.
Tryptophan Supplementation in Schizophrenia
Tryptophan has been used in the treatment of schizophrenia along with vitamin B-6. However, no dramatic improvements have been observed. Tryptophan is not available in the U.S. drug market due to a series of reports of liver failure due to improper drug manufacturing. However, 5-hydroxy tryptamine, a metabolite of tryptophan may be used in place of tryptophan. Consult your physician before taking any supplement, since it may be harmful for your body.
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