PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new study from Australian researchers suggests that around a quarter of people diagnosed with severe depression could be suffering from issues with their internal sleep clock.
Researchers at the University of Sydney analyzed data from more than 11,000 people, finding that more than 2,600 showed signs of what they’re proposing is a new subtype of depression: circadian depression.
That group includes those who tend to be night owls, sleep long hours, and experience seasonal mood swings. The researchers say these patients respond less well to typical antidepressants, experience more side effects, and experience symptoms of depression much younger than others.
According to Penn Sleep Medicine Doctor Indira Gurubhagavatula, research is zeroing in on how depression affects people: “It’s a way to look at depression in a more detailed way to try to figure out, is there a certain subtype that’s different from generic depression.”
Gurubhagavatula said that the research coming out of Australia shows promise, but more data needs to be collected before circadian depression can be an officially recognized diagnosis.
He also said it’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression.
“If you’re noticing that your mood is still low… if you’re feeling sad… and if you’re finding it really hard to get out of bed and go about your day, then you may be somebody who should really seek additional help,” Gurubhagavatula said. “So start by talking to your primary care doctor, and if needed, they can refer you to a sleep specialist.”
Experts urge anyone to talk to their doctor if they feel depressed or are thinking about altering treatment, and to call 988 if having suicidal thoughts.
Researchers in Australia say around a quarter of people with severe depression could have “circadian depression,” but more data is needed
Researchers in Australia say around a quarter of people with severe depression could have “circadian depression,” but more data is needed
