- Scientists at the University of Sydney have identified a new subtype of depression called circadian depression, which affects around one in four patients with severe or persistent depression.
- The condition is linked to disruptions in the body's 24-hour internal clock, with symptoms including seasonal illness patterns, sleeping longer, and waking up feeling extremely tired.
- Circadian depression is more resistant to traditional antidepressant treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, explaining why these drugs fail for some individuals.
- Patients with this subtype are more likely to respond to therapies targeting the body clock, including light therapy, melatonin, and melatonin-targeted antidepressants.
- The study of over 10,000 Australians revealed that those affected were more commonly female, had earlier disease onset, and faced higher genetic risks for heart, inflammatory, and neurological conditions.
- If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
- If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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