The role of melatonin in post-partum psychosis and depression associated with bipolar disorder

J Perinat Med. 2010 Nov;38(6):585-7. doi: 10.1515/jpm.2010.085. Epub 2010 Aug 13.

Abstract

Recent data has highlighted the association of a bipolar disorder (BD) with an increased risk of post-partum psychosis and depression. It is suggested that genetic- and environmental-induced decrease in the levels of melatonin in BD contributes to post-partum disorders. Melatonin may also have some efficacy in the treatment of BD, especially in decreasing the side-effects associated with lithium and the neuroleptics. It is proposed that the optimization of melatonin levels, perhaps in conjunction with optimized vitamin D3 level, would decrease post-partum psychosis and depression associated with BD.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / metabolism*
  • Depression, Postpartum / drug therapy
  • Depression, Postpartum / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / metabolism*
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use
  • Models, Animal
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Melatonin