An open-label study of controlled-release melatonin in treatment of sleep disorders in children with autism.
Long-term effectiveness of controlled-release melatonin in 25 children, aged 2.6-9.6 years with autism without other coexistent pathologies was evaluated openly. Sleep patterns were studied using Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and sleep diaries at baseline, after 1-3-6 months melatonin treatment and 1 month after discontinuation. Sleep diary and CSHQ showed a more problematic sleep in autistic children compared with controls. During treatment sleep patterns of all children improved. After discontinuation 16 children returned to pre-treatment score, readministration of melatonin was again effective. Treatment gains were maintained at 12 and 24-month follow-ups. No adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, controlled-release melatonin may provide an effective and well-tolerated treatment for autistic children with chronic sleep disorders.
Giannotti
F
F
Center of Pediatric Sleep Disorders, Department Developmental Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Via dei Sabelli, 108 00185, Rome, Italy. flavia.giannotti@uniroma1.it
Cortesi
F
F
Cerquiglini
A
A
Bernabei
P
P
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008550:Melatonin