The relationship of pineal calcification to subtypes of tardive dyskinesia in bipolar patients

Melatonin for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia

OBJECTIVE

To review the available literature regarding the use of melatonin in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD).

DATA SOURCES

Literature was identified through MEDLINE (1966-September 2002), PsycINFO (1967-September 2002), and references of relevant articles. Review articles, case reports/series, and animal and human studies were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Melatonin has been investigated in TD based on its antioxidant properties. Animal studies and several human case series describe an association between melatonin and TD. Two recent, controlled studies evaluated the role of melatonin in the treatment of TD.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a paucity of data evaluating the use of melatonin in TD. Both of the controlled studies evaluating its use are limited by methodologic issues. Although the most recent trial did report a statistically significant improvement in TD with melatonin, these results are not considered to be clinically significant. There are inadequate data at the present time to support the use of melatonin in patients with TD.

Neuroimaging in psychiatry

The promise of neuroimaging as an aid to diagnosis is discussed, and findings from the most accessible imaging techniques are reviewed. In addition, some of the earliest findings from functional MR imaging and other technologies are presented with several illustrations. Strategies for interpretation, critique of imaging techniques, and review of major findings for brain injury, mood, anxiety, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorders are offered. Examples of normal and pathologic images illustrate actual cases and examples of the newer imaging technologies.