Suicidal Ideation Following a Single Dose of Melatonin in a Patient With Major Depressive Disorder: A Case Report
Abstract
Melatonin is a neurohormone that primarily regulates sleep patterns and circadian rhythms by interacting with melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2. Disruptions in circadian rhythms may contribute to mood disorders; for example, individuals with major depressive disorder often have significantly lower melatonin levels compared to healthy individuals. In this report, we present a patient who experienced a depressed mood and nighttime sleep disturbances and was treated with melatonin. In patients with depression, factors such as insomnia or poor psychosocial conditions can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Circadian rhythm and melatonin
Sleep and related disorders
Sleep and Wakefulness Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Clinical Case Reports
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e71984–e71984
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN