Open AccessTherapeutic use of melatonin in schizophrenia: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Cathy Duan,
Zoe Jenkins,
David Castle
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
world journal of psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2220-3206
DOI - 10.5498/wjp.v11.i8.463
Subject(s) - melatonin , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , medicine , pharmacology , psychiatry , bioinformatics , traditional medicine , biology
Sleep dysfunction is a common problem in people with schizophrenia, and side effects of treatment often exacerbate metabolic and cardiovascular risk and may induce extrapyramidal side effects. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an endogenously produced hormone which has demonstrated direct and indirect antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Previous studies have explored the use of exogenous melatonin in improving sleep outcomes in the general population, yet indications for use in schizophrenia are unclear.