Evaluating the Effects of Melatonin in Improving Sleep Quality in Patients with GAD or MDD Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are among the most common mental disorders in society, and neuropsychiatric drugs are one of the most important methods of treating these disorders, which, despite being effective, usually have countless side effects; Considering the decrease in sleep quality of patients with major depression or general anxiety disorders, it is possible to control sleep quality along with other treatment measures. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Melatonin on improving sleep quality in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, a double-blind clinical trial study.Methods: Seventy-eight patients with a diagnosis of MDD or GAD confirmed by a psychiatrist enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized and assigned to two groups: Intervention group received oral melatonin 3mg for 4 weeks and the control group received only placebo for 4 weeks. Assessments were done by GSQS and PSQI Questionnaire at the beginning and after 4 weeks.Results: The mean age of patients was 38.87±14.12 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender at the beginning of the study. Weight, height, body mass index. Based on the results of study of appetite variable and P <0.05, Melatonin in the intervention group improved the PSQI scores after four weeks, but no significant score reduction was observed in any of the groups.Conclusion: Melatonin 3mg can help in improving the quality of sleep, but the difference in the scores of the two groups at the beginning and four weeks after the start is not significant.