Empathic accuracy and oxytocin after tryptophan depletion in adults at risk for depression.

Hogenelst K, Schoevers RA, Kema IP, Sweep FC, aan het Rot M

Psychopharmacology1 Jan 2016Cited by 11 (Europe PMC)

PMID26462806PMCIDPMC4700075DOI10.1007/s00213-015-4093-9PepBankPUB-26462806

Summary

RationaleMajor depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with disturbances in social functioning and in the brain serotonin system. Reduced levels of serotonin may negatively influence social functioning, for example by impairing the recognition of facial emotion expressions.ObjectivesThe present study investigated the effect of acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), which reduces brain serotonin, on a related component of social functioning, empathic accuracy (EA), and oxytocin levels.MethodsIndividuals with (FH+) and without (FH−) a family history of MDD participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. On two separate test days, participants ingested tryptophan-deficient and nutritionally balanced amino acid mixtures. Six hours later, they performed an EA task, which involved watching videos of people recounting autobiographical emotional events. While watching, participants continuously rated how these people felt during the recounting. Mood state was repeatedly assessed using the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule and a series of visual analogue scales. Blood samples obtained at baseline and 5 h after mixture ingestion were assessed for tryptophan and oxytocin levels.ResultsATD decreased circulating levels of tryptophan and oxytocin. Nevertheless, there were no significant effects of ATD on EA or mood in either FH group.ConclusionsWhile previous studies have shown that acute reductions in brain serotonin alter the recognition of facial emotion expressions in never-depressed individuals, the present study suggests that empathic abilities may remain unaffected.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study1

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01HumanEndogenous levelRandomized controlled trialMechanism
In adults with and without a family history of major depression, acute tryptophan depletion decreased circulating oxytocin levels.
In plain wordsIn adults with and without a family history of depression, tryptophan depletion lowered the body's own oxytocin levels in blood.
Peptide
Oxytocin
Outcome
DecreaseCirculating oxytocin after acute tryptophan depletion
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Nutritionally balanced amino acid mixture
Outcome group
Endogenous peptide levels · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
ATD decreased circulating levels of tryptophan and oxytocin.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Individuals with (FH+) and without (FH−) a family history of MDD participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
Summary · context
On two separate test days, participants ingested tryptophan-deficient and nutritionally balanced amino acid mixtures.
This result measures the body's own Oxytocin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-2646280601

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Version history

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Version 2Current
11 Oct 2026, 01:30 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 02:49 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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