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Circadian rhythms of melatonin, cortisol and prolactin in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Author(s) -
Monteleone P.,
Catapano F.,
Buono G.,
Maj M.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1994.tb01538.x
Subject(s) - circadian rhythm , melatonin , prolactin , psychology , endocrinology , dark therapy , medicine , rhythm , obsessive compulsive , psychiatry , hormone
Plasma melatonin, cortisol and prolactin (PRL) levels were measured over a 24‐h period in 13 drug‐free patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and in matched healthy subjects. The circadian profiles of melatonin and PRL were altered in patients; the circadian rhythm of cortisol was preserved, although at a higher level compared with normal controls. These changes were significantly related to the severity of the obsessive‐compulsive symptoms. Further studies need to clarify the state‐ or trait‐dependent character of these abnormalities.