Plasma insulin, tryptophan and serotonin levels during the glucose tolerance test among habitually violent and impulsive offenders.

Insulin activity in plasma and the concentrations of tryptophan and serotonin were measured during the glucose tolerance test (GTT) in habitually violent and impulsive male offenders and in psychiatric personnel as controls. Insulin was enhanced in the intermittent explosive disorder; at the same time the concentration of plasma tryptophan and the ratio of tryptophan to large neutral amino acids were on a high level and tryptophan even increased in many cases during GTT. Serotonin values did not differ. Many offenders with enhanced insulin secretion displayed abnormal neuroglycopenic symptoms during GTT.