Researchers Reveal New Data on Brain Chemical Linked to Depression, Impact of Clock Changes
Researchers Reveal New Data on Brain Chemical Linked to Depression, Impact of Clock Changes
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Neuroscientists from Columbia University and McGill University have identified a stress-related brain chemical called SGK1 that may explain why individuals who experienced trauma or adversity in childhood are more susceptible to depression and suicidal thoughts.
According to a report by SciTechDaily, the study found elevated levels of SGK1 in the brains of adults who died by suicide, with the highest concentrations found in those who reported childhood trauma. This discovery suggests that SGK1 acts as a catalyst for these mental health risks, particularly in cases linked to early-life hardship. Researchers are hopeful this breakthrough could lead to a new generation of antidepressants that specifically target and inhibit SGK1, potentially offering relief to a large segment of the depressed population that current SSRI treatments often fail to help.
A separate report by Anadolu Agency addresses the health consequences of changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Experts note that shifting the clocks forward in spring—resulting in an hour of lost sleep and disrupted circadian rhythms—is the most detrimental change.
Studies from multiple countries show a modest 4% rise in heart attacks and an increase in strokes following the spring clock shift. It is also linked to a 6% rise in fatal car accidents and can worsen mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. The loss of an hour of sleep and the resulting misalignment between the external clock and the body’s internal rhythm (which regulates sleep and wakefulness via signals like melatonin and cortisol) are cited as the primary reasons for these negative health effects. Conversely, experts suggest that turning the clocks back in autumn appears less harmful, though some research indicates it may still increase the risk of depressive episodes.
