Elsevier

Journal of Affective Disorders

Volume 12, Issue 3, May–June 1987, Pages 203-206
Journal of Affective Disorders

The pineal hormone melatonin in panic disorder

https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(87)90028-0Get rights and content

Abstract

The nocturnal synthesis of the pineal hormone melatonin was examined from 8 p.m. to midnight in 11 patients with panic disorder and eight control subjects. Patient concentrations of melatonin were significantly lower than controls at 10 p.m. (P<0.05; Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA) and midnight (P<0.01). At 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., patient concentrations were also lower than controls, but were not statistically significantly different (P=0.09). From these data, it is postulated that some patients with panic disorder exhibit a generalised defect in sensitivity of β-adrenergic receptors or of sympathetic transmission.

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