Evidence supporting the use of: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
For the health condition: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in mood and anxiety disorders, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The rationale for its use in OCD is based on the serotonin hypothesis, which suggests that increasing central serotonin levels can alleviate OCD symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin availability, are standard treatments for OCD. 5-HTP, as a precursor to serotonin, is thought to boost serotonin synthesis in the brain and may therefore have similar effects. Several small-scale studies and case reports from the 1980s and 1990s investigated the impact of 5-HTP supplementation on OCD symptoms. For example, some open-label trials indicated modest improvement in OCD symptoms with 5-HTP supplementation, but these studies were limited by small sample sizes, lack of control groups, and short durations. A few animal studies have also suggested a potential benefit in reducing compulsive behaviors. However, there have been no large, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that definitively establish the efficacy or safety of 5-HTP in treating OCD. Most evidence remains preliminary, and 5-HTP is not a standard or widely recommended treatment for OCD. Current clinical guidelines do not endorse its use due to insufficient robust evidence and potential side effects, including the risk of serotonin syndrome if combined with other serotonergic agents. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence, the overall support for 5-HTP in OCD is weak.

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