Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

New Depression Subtype Identified In 1 In 4 Patients: How Symptoms And Treatment Differ

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">Depression</a></span> affects millions of people worldwide, but not everyone responds equally well to treatment. Now, researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new subtype called “circadian depression,” which is linked to the body’s internal clock and may help explain why conventional <span>antidepressants</span> work less well for some people. 

The subtype was identified in nearly a quarter of participants with severe, recurrent or persistent depression in an Australian study. Researchers say recognizing its characteristics could help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from different treatment approaches. 

“Our research has identified <span>circadian depression</span> as a new subtype, affecting around a quarter of people in our study into those with severe, recurrent or persistent depression,” said Dr. Emiliana Tonini from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney. 

“Depression is not a uniform illness and understanding the characteristics of different subtypes mean that we can give people earlier access to treatments that will be most effective for them,” she added. 

<h2>Circadian Depression: What Are The Key Symptoms? </h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/burning-skin-panic-attack-depression-godzilla-weight-loss-drug-retatrutide-linked-to-129-symptoms-article-156345523" data-type="tilCustomLink">Burning Skin, Panic Attack &amp; Depression: ‘Godzilla’ Weight Loss Drug Retatrutide Linked To 129 Symptoms</a>

Circadian depression is linked to the body’s 24-hour internal clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Researchers identified several symptoms and characteristics associated with this subtype, including:

<ul><li>A seasonal pattern of illness </li></ul>

<ul><li>Sleeping longer during depressive episodes </li></ul>

<ul><li>Waking up feeling very tired </li></ul>

To investigate the subtype, researchers analyzed clinical and genetic data from more than 10,000 people with depression who participated in the nationwide Australian Genetics of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/social-media-bans-for-kids-gain-ground-worldwide-will-they-work-article-154516653" data-type="tilCustomLink">Depression </a> Study. 

Of these, 2,604 participants, or nearly 25%, were identified as having circadian depression. 

The researchers also found that people with this subtype were more likely to experience depression earlier in life and had more severe symptoms, including mania and higher levels of suicidal thoughts. 

In addition, these participants had a higher genetic risk for inflammatory and cardiovascular health problems, as well as major neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The findings, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, offer insights into the genetic mechanisms associated with circadian depression and may help explain why conventional treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (<span>SSRIs</span>), work less well for some people with this subtype. 

<h2>How Does Circadian Depression Differ In Treatment Response? </h2>

Antidepressants such as SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used to treat depression. However, the researchers reported that these medications were less effective and associated with more side effects in people with the circadian subtype. 

Because circadian depression is linked to the body’s internal clock, treatments targeting circadian rhythms may be relevant for some patients. These include light therapy, melatonin and melatonin-targeted antidepressants.

Why Young People Struggle | Suicide Risk & Warning Signs | World Suicide Prevention Day

“Because circadian depression is linked to people’s internal body clock, treatments targeting the circadian rhythm, such as light therapy and melatonin, may be much more relevant, and clinicians should reach for these much earlier in people with this presentation,” said Dr. Jacob Crouse, co-senior author of the study, from the Brain and Mind Centre. 

“For those who find that antidepressants are not working for them, it is important to speak to your clinician for advice about your individual circumstances,” he added. 

Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain and Mind Centre and a clinical psychiatrist, emphasized that failing to recognize circadian depression in young people could contribute to early treatment failures and more side effects. 

“We really want young people to receive the most appropriate treatment early in their course of illness. 

“Most young people will be offered SSRIs first up, but for at least a quarter there are better circadian-focused medical and behavioural options to help treat and manage their condition.” 

The findings suggest that identifying circadian depression could help clinicians consider more tailored treatment approaches. However, the study does not establish that body-clock disruption causes depression or that every person identified with this subtype will respond better to circadian-focused treatments. Patients should consult their clinicians before making any changes to prescribed medication, the experts said. 

Health Conditions A-Z

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Depression

New Depression Subtype

circadian depression

antidepressants

SSRIs

body internal clock

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Depression affects millions of people worldwide, but not everyone responds equally well to treatment. Now, researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new subtype called “circadian depression,” which is linked to the body’s internal clock and may help explain why conventional antidepressants work less well for some people. The subtype was identified in nearly a quarter of participants with severe, recurrent or persistent depression in an Australian study. Researchers say recognizing its characteristics could help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from different treatment approaches. “Our research has identified circadian depression as a new subtype, affecting around a quarter of people in our study into those with severe, recurrent or persistent depression,” said Dr. Emiliana Tonini from the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney. “Depression is not a uniform illness and understanding the characteristics of different subtypes mean that we can give people earlier access to treatments that will be most effective for them,” she added. Circadian Depression: What Are The Key Symptoms? Also read: Burning Skin, Panic Attack & Depression: ‘Godzilla’ Weight Loss Drug Retatrutide Linked To 129 SymptomsCircadian depression is linked to the body’s 24-hour internal clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Researchers identified several symptoms and characteristics associated with this subtype, including: A seasonal pattern of illness Sleeping longer during depressive episodes Waking up feeling very tired Being a night owl To investigate the subtype, researchers analyzed clinical and genetic data from more than 10,000 people with depression who participated in the nationwide Australian Genetics of Depression  Study. Of these, 2,604 participants, or nearly 25%, were identified as having circadian depression. The researchers also found that people with this subtype were more likely to experience depression earlier in life and had more severe symptoms, including mania and higher levels of suicidal thoughts. In addition, these participants had a higher genetic risk for inflammatory and cardiovascular health problems, as well as major neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, offer insights into the genetic mechanisms associated with circadian depression and may help explain why conventional treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work less well for some people with this subtype. How Does Circadian Depression Differ In Treatment Response?    Antidepressants such as SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used to treat depression. However, the researchers reported that these medications were less effective and associated with more side effects in people with the circadian subtype. Because circadian depression is linked to the body’s internal clock, treatments targeting circadian rhythms may be relevant for some patients. These include light therapy, melatonin and melatonin-targeted antidepressants.“Because circadian depression is linked to people’s internal body clock, treatments targeting the circadian rhythm, such as light therapy and melatonin, may be much more relevant, and clinicians should reach for these much earlier in people with this presentation,” said Dr. Jacob Crouse, co-senior author of the study, from the Brain and Mind Centre. “For those who find that antidepressants are not working for them, it is important to speak to your clinician for advice about your individual circumstances,” he added. Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the Brain and Mind Centre and a clinical psychiatrist, emphasized that failing to recognize circadian depression in young people could contribute to early treatment failures and more side effects. “We really want young people to receive the most appropriate treatment early in their course of illness. “Most young people will be offered SSRIs first up, but for at least a quarter there are better circadian-focused medical and behavioural options to help treat and manage their condition.” The findings suggest that identifying circadian depression could help clinicians consider more tailored treatment approaches. However, the study does not establish that body-clock disruption causes depression or that every person identified with this subtype will respond better to circadian-focused treatments. Patients should consult their clinicians before making any changes to prescribed medication, the experts said. 

new depression subtype identified in 1 in 4 patients: how symptoms and treatment differ

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