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Search / Trial NCT00001485

Effects of Season on Melatonin Secretion in Healthy Men and Women and Patients With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH) · Dec 9, 2002

Trial Information

Current as of May 10, 2025

Completed

Keywords

Chemical Mediators Circadian Rhythms Gender Differences Melatonin Photoperiodism Seasonal Changes

ClinConnect Summary

Changes in the duration of nocturnal melatonin secretion that are induced by seasonal changes in the length of the night trigger many of the dramatic seasonal changes in behavior that occur in animals. It has been hypothesized that melatonin plays a similar role as chemical mediator of the effects of season on mood in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For such a hypothesis to be tenable, it would be necessary to show that duration of nocturnal melatonin secretion changes on a seasonal basis in patients with SAD. We have preliminary evidence that the duration (and amplitude) o...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

  • Normal volunteers must be free of psychiatric illnesses.
  • Patients must meet the criteria of Rosenthal et al. for the diagnosis of SAD, as determined by a DSM IV diagnostic interview, and must be free of other major psychiatric illnesses.
  • All subjects must be free of major medical illnesses and must not be taking medications on a regular basis.
  • Patients must not test positive for antibodies to the AIDS virus.

About National Institute Of Mental Health (Nimh)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a leading federal agency dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders through innovative research and clinical trials. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIMH focuses on a broad spectrum of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and developmental disorders. By fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and the community, NIMH aims to translate scientific discoveries into effective interventions and improve mental health outcomes for individuals across the lifespan. Through its commitment to rigorous research methodologies and ethical standards, NIMH plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health care and policy.

Locations

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Patients applied

0 patients applied

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

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