Chronotype as modulator of morning serum melatonin levels.

Background: The search for biological markers of individual characteristics has produced scanty results. Melatonin (MLT), the main hormonal product of the pineal gland, has been used as a biological marker of neuroticism, introversion-extroversion and morningness-eveningness. Morningness-eveningness indicates preferences associated with morning or evening activities.

[Neuropsychological assessment of the effectiveness of OROS-methylphenidate in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].

Introduction: There is wide evidence about dopaminergic and noradrenergic mechanisms in fronto-striatal circuits which are thought to be related with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) neurobiology. That dysfunction may explain core symptoms and part of executive deficits in cognitive functioning. Methylphenidate is effective in alleviating core symptoms, enhancing dopaminergic and noradrenergic biodisponibility.

[Based on one case of dissociative disorder: a conceptual review].

Based on the description of a clinical case treated by the authors, and diagnosed of dissociative disorder, a review of the diagnosis of dissociative disorder and its polemics is carried out. The authors discuss concepts such as dissociation and hysteria, their historic evolution and their relationships. Some modern cognitive theories on dissociative disorders and their relationship or opposition to psychodynamic theories are presented.

[Efficiency of melatonin in the treatment of insomnia].

Unlabelled: The aim of this research consists of studying whether melatonin (MLT) may be considered as an alternative for the treatment of insomnia.

Methods: A 33-year period (1966-1998) of computerised search using Medline database was performed. Melatonin, pineal gland and insomnia were used as key words.