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Depression and endogenous melatonin in postmenopausal women
Arja Tuunainen1, Daniel F Kripke, Jeffrey A Elliott
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0667, La Jolla, CA 92093-0667, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 10, 2002
Summary
This study suggests a familial link to altered melatonin secretion patterns in depression. Specifically, a longer duration of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) excretion may indicate vulnerability to depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Conflicting reports exist regarding melatonin secretion in depression.
- Few studies have investigated the duration of the nocturnal melatonin peak in relation to depression, with equivocal results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mood disorders and urinary melatonin excretion patterns.
- To explore associations between depression and the duration and timing of melatonin secretion.
Main Methods:
- Studied 382 postmenopausal women for mood disorders and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) excretion over two 24-h periods.
- Psychiatric diagnoses determined via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID).
- Urinary 6-SMT samples collected in home environments.
Main Results:
- A positive family history of depression was linked to a longer duration of 6-SMT excretion.
- Marginally significant associations found between current major depression and delayed 6-SMT offset.
- Later acrophase showed a marginal association with lifetime major depression, even after controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a potential familial vulnerability in the endogenous melatonin signal for individuals prone to depression.
- Abnormalities in the duration of the melatonin signal may be present in those with current major depression.
- Limitations include uncontrolled light exposure at home and a sample restricted to postmenopausal women.