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The circadian system: A neglected player in neurodevelopmental disorders
Ahmed A Bouteldja1,2, Danae Penichet1,2, Lalit K Srivastava1,3
1Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|May 31, 2024
Summary
Circadian rhythm disruptions are common in neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially contributing to their development. Chronotherapy may help manage side effects of psychiatric medications used for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder, are frequently associated with abnormal circadian rhythms.
- The precise mechanisms and contribution of circadian system disruptions to NDDs remain largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review circadian system dysregulation in NDD patients and animal models.
- To explore circadian disruption as a potential risk factor for NDDs.
- To examine the impact of psychiatric medications on circadian rhythms and the role of chronotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NDD patients and animal models.
- Analysis of human and model organism data on circadian rhythm disruptions.
- Examination of research on psychiatric medications and chronotherapy in NDDs.
Main Results:
- Patients with NDDs exhibit heterogeneous alterations in sleep-wake and melatonin rhythms.
- Animal models suggest circadian dysfunction is an inherent feature of NDDs.
- Evidence indicates environmental and genetic circadian disruptions may contribute to NDD behaviors; psychiatric drugs affect circadian rhythms, suggesting chronotherapy benefits.
Conclusions:
- Circadian system dysfunction is likely a core pathological feature of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between circadian rhythms and NDDs.
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