Researchers propose 'circadian' subtype of depression linked to body-clock disruptions

Summary

Researchers have proposed a new subtype of depression, called 'circadian depression', that is tied to disruptions in the body's internal clock. In a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the team used clinical and genetic data from 11,380 Australians with mostly severe and recurrent depression and found the subtype affected nearly a quarter (23%) of participants, according to The Guardian, which reports the researchers believe it responds less well to traditional antidepressant treatments. ABC reports that about one in four people with severe, recurrent or persistent depression may have this subset, and that people with it often wake up very tired and describe themselves as night owls. Live Science also reports the proposal, framing it as a subtype linked to body-clock patterns.

Timeline

1. Live Science

   20 Oct 2026, 23:00 UTCSource ↗

   Live Science reports that researchers propose a new subtype of depression linked to body-clock patterns, which it frames as a 'circadian' subtype.

2. The Guardian

   20 Oct 2026, 23:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Australian researchers identified a new 'circadian depression' subtype linked to disruptions in the body's internal clock, which they believe responds less well to traditional antidepressants, affecting nearly a quarter (23%) of 11,380 participants in a British Journal of Psychiatry study.

3. ABC

   20 Oct 2026, 23:01 UTCSource ↗

   ABC reports that a new study suggests about one in four people with severe, recurrent or persistent depression may have a proposed subset called 'circadian depression', where people often wake up very tired and describe themselves as night owls.