Serotonin, Emotion, and Behaviour
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Serotonin, Emotion, and Behaviour
IRAS ID
196338
Contact name
Jonathan Kanen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The brain chemical serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is implicated in a wide range of psychiatric phenomena including depression, anxiety, impulsivity, compulsivity, suicidality, and aggression (Cools, Roberts, Robbins, 2008; Evenden, 1999; Coccaro, 1989; Krakowski, 2003; Linnoila & Virkkunen, 1992; Thakore et al., 1996). Burgeoning evidence suggests a role for 5-HT in aversive processing, and in flexibly adapting emotional responses and behaviours to meet the demands of the environment (Cools, Roberts, Robbins, 2008). We will expand upon existing work from our research group (e.g. Crockett et al., 2008, 2009, 2012; Worbe et al. 2014, 2015a, 2015b) and others (e.g. Geurts et al. 2013, Tanaka et al., 2008) to examine the impact of 5-HT in four domains in healthy volunteers: 1) emotional learning, 2) behavioural flexibility, 3) social processing, and 4) executive functioning. Volunteers will be assigned to receive either acute tryptophan depletion (ATD), a dietary manipulation that temporarily lowers 5-HT levels, or a placebo control treatment. By comparing these two conditions we will uncover the effects of ATD on emotion and behaviour.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0101
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion