[The tryptophan depletion challenge: a review of methodology and results].

Introduction: This paper focuses on the methodology and behavioural results of the tryptophan depletion challenge.

Methods: A Medline search (1985-2002) using the keywords 'tryptophan depletion' and 'mood' has been performed.

Results: Rapid depletion is obtained by morning intake under fasting condition of a tryptophan-free amino-acid mixture.