Psychiatry · 2 h ago
Study identifies a proposed circadian depression profile in one-quarter of participants
A population and genetics study of 11,380 people of European ancestry with severe depression identified 2,604 who met at least three proposed criteria for “circadian depression.” The findings link this profile to more severe, earlier-onset symptoms and other health-related associations, but researchers say further evidence is needed before it is recognized as a disorder or changes treatment guidance.
- 2,604 of 11,380 participants met proposed criteria.
- Criteria included sleep timing, daytime sleepiness and seasonality.
- Profile was associated with earlier, more severe symptoms.
- Researchers say evidence is insufficient to change guidelines.
Researchers analysed data from 11,380 people of European ancestry with severe depression to assess whether a pattern of symptoms and traits could define a circadian-related subtype. They classified participants as meeting the proposed profile if they had at least three of six criteria, including daytime sleepiness, morning tiredness, a preference for staying up late, seasonality, delayed sleep and social jet lag. In all, 2,604 participants—nearly one-quarter—met that threshold.
Those classified in this group tended to have more severe symptoms with earlier onset, were more often female and were less likely to respond to conventional antidepressants. The profile was also associated with genetic risk factors for ADHD and mood disorders, as well as increased risk of inflammation and disrupted metabolism. The study was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The findings offer a proposed way to investigate variation in depression, but they do not establish that circadian disruption causes depression or that the criteria identify a formal disorder. Researchers and external experts cited in the report say more evidence is needed before diagnostic recognition or changes to treatment guidelines. The sample was limited to people of European ancestry with severe depression, which may limit how broadly the findings apply.
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Nature: Body clock disruptions contribute to one in four cases of depression, suggests large study ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.