An open-label study of controlled-release melatonin in treatment of sleep disorders in children with autism.

Abstract

Long-term effectiveness of controlled-release melatonin in 25 children, aged 2.6-9.6 years with autism without other coexistent pathologies was evaluated openly. Sleep patterns were studied using Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and sleep diaries at baseline, after 1-3-6 months melatonin treatment and 1 month after discontinuation. Sleep diary and CSHQ showed a more problematic sleep in autistic children compared with controls. During treatment sleep patterns of all children improved. After discontinuation 16 children returned to pre-treatment score, readministration of melatonin was again effective. Treatment gains were maintained at 12 and 24-month follow-ups. No adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, controlled-release melatonin may provide an effective and well-tolerated treatment for autistic children with chronic sleep disorders.

• Authors: F Giannotti, F Cortesi, A Cerquiglini, P Bernabei
• Journal: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (J Autism Dev Disord) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 741-52 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0162-3257 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16897403 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Melatonin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Autistic Disorder (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Comorbidity
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Italy
• Long-Term Care
• Male
• Melatonin (administration & dosage)
• Sleep Wake Disorders (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Treatment Outcome