Disorder of the pineal gland associated with depression, peptic ulcers, and sexual dysfunction.

Depression, peptic ulcers, and sexual dysfunction may be exacerbated by a deficiency of melatonin. Stress and dietary habits may lead to deficiencies of both serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin inhibits the release of cortisol via the release of vasotocin. Abnormal circadian rhythms of cortisol may occur in states of decreased melatonin. A circannual rhythm of melatonin has troughs associated with peaks in the incidence of peptic ulcers and psychotic depression. Psychotic depression is an apparent disorder of the locus ceruleus and/or dorsal raphe nucleus.