Melatonin Dose-effect Relation in Childhood Autism
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2013-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced from serotonin which promotes sleep. The alterations in
central and peripheral serotonin neurobiology and in circadian sleep-wake rhythms observed in
autistic disorder suggest abnormalities in melatonin secretion.
Several studies have reported a decrease in melatonin secretion in individuals with autism.
Furthermore, nocturnal excretion of 6-Sulphatoxymelatonin (the predominant melatonin
metabolite) was significantly negatively correlated with severity of autistic impairments in
verbal communication and play. Melatonin could therefore have a therapeutic effect on sleep
problems and may play a role in the pathophysiology of autistic disorder.
These data highlight the possible therapeutic interest of an oral administration of melatonin
in patients with autistic disorder. Thus, the objective of this clinical trial is to study
the relation between the melatonin dose administered and its effect on severity of autistic
impairments especially in verbal communication and play.