Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Melatonin is primarily known as a regulator of circadian rhythms and a treatment for sleep disorders. However, emerging scientific evidence suggests that melatonin may also have a role in supporting or treating anxiety disorders. Research indicates that melatonin influences the central nervous system, particularly by modulating GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, which are pathways involved in anxiety regulation. Additionally, melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that might contribute to neuroprotection and stress response modulation.

Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies have reported that melatonin administration can reduce anxiety-like behaviors and symptoms, especially in preoperative anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. A few meta-analyses have found modest anxiolytic effects, particularly when melatonin is compared to placebo in specific scenarios such as surgical settings or in combination with other treatments. Despite these findings, the evidence is not robust or consistent enough to recommend melatonin as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. Most guidelines still prioritize established therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacological agents (e.g., SSRIs).

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary clinical evidence supporting the use of melatonin for anxiety, the overall quality and quantity of the evidence remain limited. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify its efficacy and safety profile for this indication.

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