Depression subtype discovery gives hope to sufferers

Key points

• Researchers at the University of Sydney have identified a new depression subtype linked to the body clock. Known as circadian depression, it was found in about a quarter of more than 10,000 Australians in a recent study.
• Lead researcher Ian Hickie said the finding could help people whose depression had not responded to traditional treatments. Treatments may involve monitoring and regulating sleep-wake cycles.
• A major trial of melatonin as a possible treatment is also under way, with results expected in a few years.