Melatonin treatment of winter depression: a pilot study.
Five patients with winter depression received low doses of melatonin in the afternoon, and five patients received placebo capsules. Melatonin treatment significantly decreased depression ratings compared to placebo. If these findings are replicated in a larger sample with documentation of expected phase shifts, the phase shift hypothesis will be substantially supported.
Lewy
A J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA. lewy@ohsu.edu
Bauer
V K
VK
Cutler
N L
NL
Sack
R L
RL
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010555:Personality Inventory; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D008550:Melatonin