Influence of L-tryptophan use on the dynamics of cognitive functions in the complex therapy of delayed psycho-speech development in children

Abstract

The purpose of this studyis to evaluate the ability of L-tryptophan used in complex therapy of delayed psycho-speech development in children to influence the dynamics of cognitive performance.Materials and methods. The study included 80 children aged 3–7 years with delayed psycho-speech development (DPSD). The main group consisted of 37 children (25 male and 12 female), a control group – 43 patients (30 male and 13 female). Both groups of children were comparable in age, sex, degree of speech and cognitive impairment, and IQ level. Patients in the main group have taken standard therapy with L-tryptophan (25–50 mg per day depending on the age) supplement for 14 days. Control patients have taken standard therapy only. Psychodiagnostic tests at the entrance and exit of patients from this study was carried out for evaluation the dynamics of cognitive functions. All differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.Results. The study suggests that oral L-tryptophan intake selectively affects the dynamics of cognitive performance in children with DPSD. So, we studied pre- and post-treatment cognitive performance in both group patients and noted a significant improvement in the visual memory (p < 0.001) and an increase in thinking productivity (p < 0.001) in the tryptophan group versus similar indicators in the control group. Intergroup differences (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026, respectively, for the main and control groups) also found.Conclusion. Two-week L-tryptophan intake in complex therapy of DPSD in children can significantly improve the cognitive activity, and greatly increase both the effectiveness and sustainability of treatment outcomes, which will significantly reduce the time and frequency of hospitalization and financial costs for the rehabilitation of this patients.