Melatonin is a compound that is produced by the body in the presence of light. It is also available as an over-the-counter supplement. Melatonin has been identified as a player in the role of bipolar disorder. However, do not attempt to prevent, treat or cure bipolar disorder with melatonin before consulting with your doctor.
Endophenotype
The sensitivity of melatonin to light is one endophenotype for patients with bipolar disorder. Endophenotype is a term used in psychiatry describing an association between a psychiatric disorder and some genetic marker. The melatonin of a group of patients with type 1 bipolar disorder was found to be super-sensitive to light, in a study published in October 2009 in "Acta Neuropsychiatrica." This preliminary evidence supports the existence of melatonin sensitivity as a means for identifying bipolar disorder in patients.
Ramelteon
Ramelteon is a pharmaceutical agent that works similarly to melatonin to promote sleep in patients with insomnia. It has also been considered with regards to the treatment of type 1 bipolar disorder. A group of 21 patients with the disorder were given either ramelteon or placebo in a study published in January 2011 in "International Clinical Psychopharmacology." The ramelteon group, which was given 8 mg per day, showed improvements in depressive symptoms, although insomnia and mania were not affected. Ramelteon cannot be taken with melatonin or fluvoxamine, a type of antidepressant.
Sleep Disturbances
Bioplar disorder is characterized by disturbances in sleep caused by imbalances of the circadian rhythm, in which melatonin plays a role. Researchers have noticed that changes in bipolar disorder symptoms occur in accordance with the circadian cycles, according to an article published in 2011 in "Behavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and Its Treatment." The relevant symptoms are changes in energy, sleep, mood, interest and the ability to concentrate.
Jet Lag
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, jet lag is something you may want to consider. Since jet lag throws off circadian rhythms, it could lead to a manic episode, as discussed in a case study published in 2011 in "European Psychiatry." Those who have a mood disorder in general are susceptible to these effects, as the author mentions.
References
- "Acta Neuropsychiatrica"; Abnormal Dose-Response Melatonin Suppression by Light in Bipolar Type I Patients Compared With Healthy Adult Subjects; Karen T. Hallam, et al.; October 2009
- "International Clinical Psychopharmacology"; A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Adjunctive Ramelteon in Ambulatory Bipolar I Disorder With Manic Symptoms and Sleep Disturbance; Susan L. McElroy, et al.; January 2011
- "Behavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and Its Treatment"; Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Abnormalities in the Pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder; Jessica Levenson, Ellen Frank; 2011
- "European Psychiatry"; P02-514: Melatonin for the Prevention of Relapse in Postpartum Onset Bipolar Disorder Induced by Jet Lag; N. Thomas, S. Jayakrishnan; 2011
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