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Question 43: My questions is do you know anything about treating TS with the amino acid Tryptophan? If there's anything I could contribute to your site in terms of info or just keeping it updated I'd be glad to volunteer to help. Keep up the great work...and maybe someday I can get you to come to Costa Rica and do some lecturing...well it never hurts to dream LOL! B.M., Costa Rica

Hello B.!

Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin -- many drugs used in OCD and in the treatment of anxiety and depression work in various ways to either increase serotonin or increase the effectiveness of how your head USES serotonin. Since having more tryptophan in your body would mean that it could manufacture more serotonin I'm not surprised if some people find taking it helpful. Given that it is an indirect solution though (i.e. simply taking medications that directly impact the neurotransmitter serotonin is less roundabout) I also wouldn't be surprised if this method is not as effective as taking, for example, SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Your offer to contribute to the site is very kind sir -- thank you! One thing I often do solicit from adults with TS are submissions to the "Grown-Ups with TS" section -- basically various role-models I've met write things they'd like to say to children with TS such as lessons or strategies they've learned, or encouragement. If you ever wanted to send me something for this section of the site I'd be very pleased to receive it B.

Come to Costa Rica, and again bask in the South American sun (I traveled to Brasil in December of 2000)?? My goodness, you wouldn't have to ask me twice!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed sir....... ;-)

cheers, and all the best!
Dr. Dunc.

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