The hormone melatonin is sometimes called the body's built-in biological clock because it coordinates so many physical functions in conjunction with the sleep wake cycle. Abnormal melatonin patterns have been closely linked to a variety of behavioral changes and mood disorders.

In general, studies have reported decreased nocturnal melatonin levels in patients suffering from depression.1-3 One investigation of major depression in children and adolescents found that melatonin levels were significantly lower in depressed subjects with psychosis than in depressed subjects without psychosis.4

Besides abnormal levels, a disrupted melatonin secretion rhythm may also
affect mood. An unstable circadian secretion pattern of melatonin is
associated with depression in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).5

In a fascinating study on geomagnetic storms and depression, British researchers found that male hospital admissions with a diagnosis of
depression rose 36.2% during periods of geomagnetic activity as compared with normal periods. The investigators hypothesized that this increase may have been caused by a phase advance in the circadian rhythm of melatonin production.6

The Melatonin Profile measures melatonin levels over a complete light-dark cycle, revealing potential imbalances and disruptions of circadian rhythm that could play an important role in mood disturbances.

References:

1 Arendt J. Melatonin--a new probe in psychiatric investigation? Br J Psychiatry 1989;155:585 590.

2 Brown RP, Kocsis JH, Caroff S, Amsterdam J, Winokur A, Stokes P, Frazer A. Depressed mood and reality disturbance correlate with decreased nocturnal melatonin in depressed patients. Acta Psychiatr Scand
1987;76(3):272-5.

3 McIntyre IM, Judd FK, Marriott PM, Burrows GD, Norman TR. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1989;9(2):159-164.

4 Shafii M, MacMillan DR, Key MP, Derrick AM, Kaufman N, Nahinsky ID. Nocturnal serum melatonin profile in major depression in children and adolescents. Arch
Gen Psychiatr 1996;53(11): 1009-13.

5 Thompson C, Childs PA, Martin NJ, Rodin I, Smythe PJ. Effects of morning phototherapy on circadian markers in seasonal affective disorder. Br J Psychiatry 1997;170(431-435).

6 Kay RW. Geomagnetic storms: association with incidence of depression as measured by hospital admission. Br J Psychiatry 1994 164(3): 403-9.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.