Melatonin and melatonin agonists as antidepressants in the elderly: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Depression and depressive symptoms are common in the elderly population and contribute to a lower quality of life. One change that is common in depression is the disruption of circadian cycles, which are regulated by melatonin and other neurotransmitters. Oral melatonin and melatonin agonists are well tolerated, being the main clinical indication of insomnia. A melatonin agonist is approved as an antidepressant. Thus, the objective of the systematic review will be to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the findings of randomised controlled trials that used melatonin or melatonin agonists as a therapeutic intervention in elderly people with depression.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42023391092

SUBMITTER: Cardoso J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12587927 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature