Researchers have uncovered a distinct form of depression tied to irregularities in the body’s internal clock, which may explain why some patients don’t respond well to conventional antidepressants. Analyzing genetic and clinical data from over 11,000 individuals with severe or recurring depression, the study found that nearly a quarter exhibited symptoms linked to disrupted circadian rhythms. The findings, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, suggest this subtype—dubbed "circadian depression"—could require tailored treatment approaches. Experts say the discovery may help refine depression therapies for those whose conditions stem from biological clock dysfunction.
Study identifies ‘circadian depression’ as affecting nearly a quarter of more than 11,000 participantsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian researchers have identified a new subtype of depression – termed “circadian depression” – linked to disruptions in the body’s internal clock, which they believe is less responsive to traditional antidepressant treatments.In a study published in British Journal of Psychiatry, involving clinical and genetic data from 11,380 Australians with mostly severe and recurrent depression, researchers identified circadian depression as affecting nearly a quarter (23%) of participants. Continue reading...
