Australian researchers identify new subtype of depression linked to body clock disruptions
Summary
Australian researchers found a new type of depression called circadian depression, linked to problems with the body’s internal clock. This type affects about 23% of people with severe depression and is often harder to treat with regular antidepressant drugs.Key Facts
- The study involved 11,380 Australians with mostly severe and repeated depression.
- Circadian depression includes features like seasonal mood changes, delayed sleep, sleeping longer when depressed, being a night owl, waking up tired, and social jetlag (different sleep patterns on workdays vs free days).
- People with circadian depression tend to have more severe symptoms, start younger, and experience more episodes and complex mental health issues.
- This subtype shows a higher genetic risk for ADHD, mood disorders, and links to metabolic and inflammatory markers.
- Standard antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs work less well and cause more side effects in people with circadian depression.
- Treatments focusing on the body’s sleep and light cycles, such as light therapy and melatonin, may be more effective.
- The research mainly involved people of European ancestry, so results might not apply to all groups.
- Experts say identifying this subtype could help create better, more personalized treatments for depression.
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