Circadian Rhythm Disorders

A recent article in the Australian Family Physician by Professor Phillip Boyce from University of Sydney, highlights the implications for a discussion of circadian rhythm abnormalities in relation to depression.

Over the past 5-10 years there has been growing community awareness about depression. Many features of depression include disturbed sleep patterns, mood changes during the day, physiological and hormonal changes, all of which may indicate an underlying disturbance of the "body clock".

Treatments of Circadian Rhythm Disorders include light therapy, behavioural therapy, melatonin. A new medication, Agomelatine, may be useful in stabilising the body clock and associated sleep problems.