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Psychiatrists' Use of Melatonin with Children
Authors:David Bramble,&   Cathy Feehan
Affiliation:Shrophire's Children and Young People's Services, Telford &Wrekin PCT, Longbow House, Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 3AS, UK. E-mail:; Child &Family Unit, Solihull PCT, Northbrook Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 3LX, UK
Abstract:
Background:  Melatonin is gaining popularity as a sedative agent with children. This study sought to characterise this practice more precisely as well as examine aspects of its safety and efficacy in order to develop treatment guidelines.
Method:  Postal surveys of two groups of psychiatrists: generic child psychiatrists and psychiatrists who regularly treat learning disabled children.
Results:  Both groups (all of the specialists and 81% of the non-specialists) reported regular but not frequent use of melatonin in their usual practice, mostly for night-settling sleep problems refractory to behavioural modification strategies, commonly in the context of neurodevelopmental disability (especially autism). Treatment was described as being 'usually successful' and side-effects were highly infrequent and mild in nature. Variations in most prescribing practices were identified (dosage, timing).
Conclusions:  Melatonin appears to represent a useful and relatively safe drug when used in specific circumstances; however, the evidence-base underpinning its use, particularly over the long-term, remains modest. Thus caution and clinical audit of practice is required.
Keywords:Prescribing    child    adolescent    melatonin    sleep disorder
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