Nocturnal plasma melatonin concentrations were measured in seven
patients with panic disorder and eight healthy control subjects. The five
patients who had never received psychotropic medication had significantly
greater melatonin concentrations from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. than the
control subjects. In addition it is possible that a phase delay occurred in
these unmedicated patients. The findings are discussed in terms of previous
studies showing increased melatonin in manic patients and the effect of
intense stress on melatonin synthesis. The two patients who had been
medication free for only 1 week showed a decreased melatonin rhythm, which
is consistent with previous findings in medicated patients.
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