Researchers from the University of Sydney have found a new subtype of depression known as Circadian depression. As the name suggests, it mainly affects the circadian rhythm of the body.
The study was conducted through clinical and genetic analysis on more than 10,000 people with depression (data collected from the Australian Genetics of Depression Study) concluding that nearly 25% (2,604) of people were having circadian depression.
What are the symptoms noted?
People with circadian depression have a seasonal pattern of illness, sleeping longer when depressed, waking up feeling tired and being a night owl.
The depression starts at an early stage of life leading to severe circumstances such as mania and higher levels of suicidal thoughts. They also were more prone to inflammatory, cardiovascular health problems and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.
What is the treatment suggested?
Since it’s linked to the body’s 24-hour cycle, depressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) usually have little to no effect. According to the researchers, this subtype is more responsive to behavioural therapies targeting the body clock’s unique brain circuits, namely melatonin, melatonin-targeted antidepressants and light therapy.
Do you think Indians might commonly have this subtype?
In my opinions, Indians are likely to have this subtype due to sleep deprivation, work schedules and hustle culture. Many people already face seasonal mood changes and more overall tiredness but they aren’t aware that they could be depressed.
A disturbed circadian rhythm should be corrected early. Small efforts like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising daily, and reducing caffeine intake can help maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
Your body has a clock, and when it’s out of sync, even your mood can suffer. Mental health and sleep are more connected than we realise. Everybody are trying to distract themselves with the mobiles phones that just adds up to sleep deprivation
Yes, may be. Most people have a tendency to use their phones before going to sleep, this habit may be responsible for disturbing circadian rhythms and melatonin levels which ultimately leads to depressive illness.
I think this subtype of depression is likely to be increasing in prevalence. This can be due to constant peer pressure, work culture, excessive use of social media.
