An Open-Label Study of Controlled-Release Melatonin in Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism

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 mela...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2006-08, Vol.36 (6), p.741-752
Hauptverfasser: Giannotti, F, Cortesi, F, Cerquiglini, A, Bernabei, P
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung: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.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-006-0116-z