Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia have identified a subtype of depression associated with the body's circadian rhythm, which may affect about a quarter of those suffering from depression. These findings help explain differences in patient responses to traditional treatments and open the door to developing more suitable therapeutic approaches for this condition.
The British newspaper 'The Independent' reported on Wednesday that the study, published in the 'British Journal of Psychiatry', analyzed genetic data from more than 10,000 Australians suffering from depression. The study identified a subtype linked to biological clock disorders, present in about 25 percent of participants, equivalent to 2,604 individuals.
Distinctive symptoms and characteristics
This pattern is known as 'circadian rhythm-related depression', referring to the internal biological clock that regulates the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle and affects various vital bodily functions. The results showed that this subtype is associated with a set of characteristics, most notably increased sleep hours during depressive episodes and a feeling of severe exhaustion upon waking.
The study added that patients tend to stay up late into the night, in addition to symptoms appearing in seasonal patterns among some sufferers. Researchers also noted that those with this subtype were more likely to develop depression at an early age and experienced more severe symptoms.
Genetic and therapeutic associations
Researchers pointed out that the data showed genetic links to other health problems and mental disorders, including anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorder. They noted that identifying this subtype may help understand the reasons for differing patient responses to treatments, as some traditional antidepressants may not yield the expected results for some sufferers.
The results suggest the possibility of studying treatments targeting the regulation of the biological clock, such as light therapy and melatonin, although determining their effectiveness requires further research. Researchers emphasize the importance of considering different depression patterns when evaluating patients and selecting treatment, and stress the necessity of consulting a specialist doctor before changing treatment or using new medications or supplements.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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