A quarter of depression patients may be living in permanent jet lag
New 'Circadian' Subtype of Depression Affecting 1 in 4 Patients
Researchers at the University of Sydney analyzed data from 11,380 participants in the Australian Genetics of Depression Study and found that about 1 in 4 fit a newly defined "circadian" subtype of depression, driven by a misaligned body clock. These patients show seasonal symptom shifts, delayed sleep timing, social jet lag, and evening chronotypes, and they tend to develop depression earlier, experience more severe features, and respond poorly to standard antidepressants. The team suggests light therapy and melatonin may work better for them.
When it's off, you feel jet-lagged all the time. You feel tired, you feel exhausted, you gain weight, you can't concentrate, you sleep poorly, and your behavior changes.