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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
05:47
Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM
Published on: September 23, 2021
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Rapid-acting antidepressants and the circadian clock
Shogo Sato1,2, Blynn Bunney3, Lucia Mendoza-Viveros4,5
1Center for Biological Clocks Research, Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
Summary
Circadian rhythm disruption is linked to major depressive disorder (MDD). Fast-acting antidepressants like ketamine and sleep deprivation may work by influencing clock genes involved in neuroplasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Circadian disruption is increasingly linked to psychiatric disorders, notably major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Modern lifestyles and genetic factors contribute to circadian rhythm disturbances, potentially leading to mental health issues.
- MDD is associated with abnormal sleep, temperature, hormonal, and mood rhythms regulated by the molecular clock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking the circadian clock to depression.
- To explore how clock genes may mediate rapid antidepressant effects.
- To elucidate mechanistic connections between circadian rhythms, clock genes, and neuroplasticity.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and experimental studies.
- Analysis of animal data on sleep deprivation and ketamine effects.
- Examination of intracellular signaling pathways (GSK3β, mTOR, MAPK, NOTCH).
Main Results:
- Circadian clock abnormalities are features of MDD.
- Rapid-acting antidepressants (ketamine, sleep deprivation) show overlapping effects on clock gene expression.
- The circadian system is implicated in rapid antidepressant responses through intracellular signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- The circadian system plays a critical role in depression.
- Clock genes are potential targets for fast-acting antidepressant therapies.
- Understanding the clock-neuroplasticity link may lead to novel depression treatments.
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