Tryptophan‐responsive challenging behaviours in persons with Down's syndrome

Abstract

This article describes the use of tryptophan in treating challenging behaviours in persons with Down's syndrome in case studies with four subjects. In each case, challenging behaviours such as hitting, kicking, slapping and hair‐pulling, previously unresponsive to other pharmacologic and behavioural interventions, were reported by care givers to be significantly reduced during treatment with tryptophan 2000 mg to 3000 mg daily. No apparent side effects were noted. Should the observations made here be confirmed in additional cases, persons with Down's syndrome and challenging behaviours can be offered a trial of treatment with tryptophan.

Citation

McCreary, B. (2007), "Tryptophan‐responsive challenging behaviours in persons with Down's syndrome", Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 54-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/17530180200700045