The role of melatonin in post-partum psychosis and depression associated with bipolar disorder.
Recent data has highlighted the association of a bipolar disorder (BD) with an increased risk of post-partum psychosis and depression. It is suggested that genetic- and environmental-induced decrease in the levels of melatonin in BD contributes to post-partum disorders. Melatonin may also have some efficacy in the treatment of BD, especially in decreasing the side-effects associated with lithium and the neuroleptics. It is proposed that the optimization of melatonin levels, perhaps in conjunction with optimized vitamin D3 level, would decrease post-partum psychosis and depression associated with BD.
Anderson
George
G
Clinical Research Centre/Communications, Glasgow, UK. anderson.george@rocketmail.com
D000818:Animals; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023421:Models, Animal; D011247:Pregnancy
D008550:Melatonin