Circadian rest-activity rhythms during benzodiazepine tapering covered by melatonin versus placebo add-on: data derived from a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with severe mental illness often suffer from disruptions in circadian rest-activity cycles, which might partly be attributed to ongoing psychopharmacological medication. Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed for prolonged periods despite recommendations of only short-term usage. Melatonin, a naturally occurring nocturnal hormone, has the potential to stabilize disrupted circadian rhythmicity. Our aim was to investigate how prolonged-release melatonin affects rest-activity patterns in medicated patients with severe mental illness and if benzodiazepine dose reduction is associated with changes in circadian rhythm parameters.

Method

Data were derived from a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial with 24 weeks follow-up. Participants were randomized to

SUBMITTER: Baandrup L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5064925 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature