Melatonin May Reduce the Risk of Self-Harm in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

Sleep Disorders in Youth with Psychiatric Disorders

Sleep disorders are common among youth, especially those with psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. Sleep deprivation can significantly affect the daytime functioning, emotional regulation, cognition, and behavior of children and adolescents. Moreover, it can increase the risk of unintentional injuries like falls and vehicular accidents, as well as self-harm.

Melatonin’s Role in Treating Sleep Problems

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and other biological functions. Melatonin is associated with reducing the risk of self-harm, including poisoning and cutting in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. In Sweden, melatonin is the most commonly prescribed drug for sleep disturbances in children and adolescents, indicating its safety and efficacy.

The Link Between Melatonin Use and Self-Harm Reduction

A recent study found that melatonin could reduce the risk of self-harm in depressed and anxious children by improving their sleep. The study observed over 25,000 young people with psychiatric disorders who were prescribed melatonin. The risk of self-harm increased before starting melatonin treatment but dropped by about half after kids started taking it.

Melatonin appears to have no serious side effects and is not addictive. It is a hormone that improves sleep patterns without causing any disruption to daytime routines.

Area of Effectiveness

The study found that teen girls with depression or anxiety are most likely to benefit from melatonin use. Also, practicing good sleep habits remains crucial; winding down by 9 p.m., staying away from electronic devices before bedtime, taking 13 milligrams of melatonin an hour before sleeping, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, etc., are some recommended measures.

While the study links melatonin use to reduced self-harm rates, the use of other psychiatric medications or psychotherapy cannot be ruled out. Therefore, more research is needed to explore possible additional variables related to the number of medical appointments, the presence of psychotherapeutic interventions, dosage of melatonin, and even the sleepiness scale to evaluate whether symptoms of sleep disturbances are more directly correlated with self-harm behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, melatonin has emerged as an effective treatment for sleep problems in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Its use can reduce the risk of self-harm among at-risk youth. Clinical awareness and monitoring, along with behavioral interventions and supplemental use of other medications, could play a vital role in treating such cases effectively. Moreover, prioritizing good sleep habits from an early age can establish healthy routines that promote better physical and emotional well-being throughout life.

The findings are published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and come through funding by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

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