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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
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Bipolar Disorder, Circadian Rhythm and Clock Genes
Junsoo Chung1, Young-Chan Kim1,2, Jong-Hyun Jeong1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Bipolar disorder is linked to disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms. Research shows altered rhythms may be a trait marker, but further studies are needed to confirm their role in mood episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep disturbances and abnormal circadian rhythms are frequently observed in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- Existing research indicates a connection between bipolar disorder and circadian rhythm through various factors like sleep-wake cycles, hormonal rhythms (melatonin, cortisol), clock genes, and chronotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between circadian rhythm alterations and bipolar disorder.
- To investigate whether circadian rhythm disruptions serve as a trait marker for bipolar disorder, independent of mood state.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies examining sleep-wake cycles, melatonin and cortisol rhythms, clock gene expression, and circadian preference in bipolar disorder patients.
- Analysis of conflicting findings regarding the direction and timing of circadian rhythm shifts (delayed vs. advanced) in relation to mood episodes (depressive and manic).
Main Results:
- Studies show inconsistent findings regarding circadian rhythm alterations in bipolar disorder.
- Some research suggests a delayed circadian rhythm during depressive episodes and an advanced rhythm during manic episodes.
- Other studies indicate a delayed circadian rhythm that persists regardless of mood state, proposing it as a potential trait marker.
Conclusions:
- Altered circadian rhythms may be intrinsically linked to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, potentially contributing to mood episodes.
- Circadian rhythm disorder is proposed as a potential trait marker for bipolar disorder.
- Prospective cohort studies are essential to definitively clarify the role and mechanisms of circadian rhythm disturbances in bipolar disorder.
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