5-HTP for OCD
Direct metabolic precursor to serotonin, derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, bypassing the rate-limiting step in serotonin synthesis; must not be combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs due to serotonin syndrome risk.
5-HTP for OCD
5 of 5 results reported a benefit, from 1 published study.
1 randomised trial, 60 people · the chart counts everything measured
- 5 reported a benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Compulsion symptomsReported a benefitsee exact figures5-hydroxytryptophan improved Compulsion subscale score compared with placebo in 60 (12-week).1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
- Obsession symptomsReported a benefitsee exact figures5-hydroxytryptophan improved Obsession subscale score compared with placebo in 60 (12-week).1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
- OCD symptomsReported a benefitsee exact figures5-hydroxytryptophan improved Total Y-BOCS score compared with placebo in 60 (12-week).1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
- Treatment response rateReported a benefit5-hydroxytryptophan improved Complete treatment response rate compared with placebo in 60 (12-week).1 randomised trial · no comparable figure reported2 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that are difficult to control.
Also known as: 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Griffonia simplicifolia
5-HTP × OCD: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
5-HTP / OCD: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 5 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 5 |
- Studies
- 1
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. (PMID 32541380) | Complete treatment response rate | Not reported | P = 0.001 | 12-week |
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. (PMID 32541380) | Compulsion subscale score | F = 6.64 | Not reported | 12-week |
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. (PMID 32541380) | Obsession subscale score | F = 8.25 | Not reported | 12-week |
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. (PMID 32541380) | Partial treatment response rate | Not reported | P = 0.032 | 12-week |
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. (PMID 32541380) | Total Y-BOCS score | F = 12.07 | Not reported | 12-week |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 32541380 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 12-week | Complete treatment response rate | Not reported (P = 0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 32541380 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 12-week | Compulsion subscale score | F = 6.64 | Benefit |
| PMID 32541380 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 12-week | Obsession subscale score | F = 8.25 | Benefit |
| PMID 32541380 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 12-week | Partial treatment response rate | Not reported (P = 0.032) | Benefit |
| PMID 32541380 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 60Duration: 12-week | Total Y-BOCS score | F = 12.07 | Benefit |
5-HTP × OCD: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01The safety and efficacy of N-acetylcysteine as an augmentation in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trialsEghdami S, et al. · Frontiers in psychiatry · 2024PMID 39376972 ↗02Brazilian Research Consortium on Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders guidelines for the treatment of adult obsessive-compulsive disorder. Part I: pharmacological treatmentde Oliveira MVS, et al. · Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) · 2023PMID 36749887 ↗03Clinical Recommendations for Augmentation Agents in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Partially Responsive to Serotonin Reuptake InhibitorsGautam M · Journal of clinical psychopharmacology · 2023PMID 37335203 ↗04Pharmacotherapy for trichotillomaniaHoffman J, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2021PMID 34582562 ↗05Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysisJavelle F, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2020PMID 31504850 ↗06Oral N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review of the clinical evidenceCouto JP, et al. · Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry · 2018PMID 29908912 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.