Autism, Tryptamine & Sensory/Self-Stimulatory Behavior

By Kurt N. Woeller, D.O.

Self-stimulatory behavior in autism-spectrum disorders is common. It is often associated with sensory problems linked to auditory, visual, and/or tactile hyperresponsive/imbalances. In many circumstances these problems manifest as visual side-glancing, odd finger and hand movements, fixation on objects, and auditory sensitivity. Although there can be many causes for these tendencies, a potential connection to certain chemical imbalances, e.g., dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the brain and nervous system should be considered.

Tryptamine is a compound produced from tryptophan in the pineal gland for the eventual conversion into DMT. DMT is found in plants and animals, and although its exact biological function is still being examined, the consumption of exogenous DMT has psychedelic effects (similar to those of LSD and psychedelic mushrooms). The role of endogenous DMT with excessive psychedelic effects remains controversial. However, reports of high DMT endogenously corresponding with synesthesia (a condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as when the hearing of a sound produces the visualization of a color), hyper-focus to visual details, geometric shape attraction, hallucinations, and pupil dilation in autism have been reported.

DMT is derived from tryptamine via the converting enzyme called indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT). This methylating enzyme is felt to be the main source of endogenous DMT. Once produced, DMT is metabolized by monoamine oxidase-a (MAO-A) which often has low activity in autism.

Tryptophan is a pivotal amino acid that also converts to 5-hydroxytrytophan (5-HTP) via tryptophan hydroxylase which requires various nutrients, including BH4, vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B6 (as P-5-P). Therefore, deficiencies of these nutrients, particularly BH4 and Vitamin D, may enhance the potential for tryptophan conversion into tryptamine.

Currently, there is no commercial laboratory test available for direct measurement of DMT. However, urine transmitter testing, e.g., Doctors Data Laboratory, provides assessment of tryptamine as a possible indicator for pineal imbalances with regard to tryptophan (and its link to serotonin) and tryptamine metabolism.

Tryptamine is a trace amine derived from tryptophan by a B6-dependent enzyme. Other amines measured on the neurotransmitter urine profile from Doctors Data Laboratory such as tyramine and PEA (phenylethylamine) may also have stimulant effects within the brain and nervous system at high levels.

It is possible that tryptophan supplementation could increase tryptamine levels, particularly when the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP is compromised from nutrient deficiencies. There are various foods high in tryptamine too such as bananas, cheese, tomatoes, and various cold meats. Finally, tryptamine could also be elevated because of low enzyme activity of MAO-A which is common in autism. The use of Vitamin B2, which increases the activity of MAO-A, may be helpful.