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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
The relationship between substance craving and melatonin levels in patients with methamphetamine use disorder
Seda Yılmaz1, Nülüfer Kılıç2, Pınar Öner3
1Department of Psychiatry, Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazığ, Turkey.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine plasma melatonin levels in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and to evaluate the relationship with substance craving.
Methods:
The study included 30 male patients with MUD receiving inpatient treatment at the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Research Center and 20 healthy male controls. Venous blood samples were collected at 23:00, 02:00 and 06:00 and plasma melatonin levels were measured by ELISA. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Substance craving scale (SCS) were administered.
Results:
Melatonin levels at 23:00, 02:00, and 06:00 were significantly lower in the MUD group (p < 0.001). In the MUD group, melatonin levels rose across the night and peaked at 06:00. Melatonin levels of all blood samples showed a significant negative correlation with SCS scores.
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that melatonin levels are reduced in MUD patients and this may be related to substance craving. Melatonin may serve as a biomarker in circadian irregularity associated with addiction.
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