The role of sleep problems and circadian clock genes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders during childhood and adolescence: an update

Abstract

A more recent branch of research describes the importance of sleep problems in the development and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mood disorders (MD). Research about clock genes has continued since 2012 with a focus on metabolic processes within all parts of the mammalian body, but particularly within different cerebral regions. Research has focused on complex regulatory circuits involving clock genes themselves and their influence on circadian rhythms of diverse body functions. Current publications on basic research in human and animal models indicate directions for the treatment of mental disorders targeting circadian rhythms and mechanisms. The most significant lines of research are described in this paper.

Association of health literacy and sleep problems with mental health of Chinese students in combined junior and senior high school

“…Sleep problems are related to a variety of mental health problems in both children and adolescents, impacting the ability to regulate emotions [11–12]. There is extensive evidence suggesting that adolescents having sleep problems report increased negative emotions [13].…”

Persistence of Anxiety/Depression Symptoms in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study of Daily Life Stress, Rumination, and Daytime Sleepiness in a Genetically Informative Cohort

“…Adolescents experience a delayed shift in their sleep onset and offset times that may clash with societal expectations and pressures, leading to daytime sleepiness and reduced capacity to cope with stressors, increased propensity to ruminate, and, ultimately, greater risk of experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Carpenter et al, 2021;Carskadon, 2011;Crowley et al, 2018;Owens et al, 2016). Consistent with this, circadian clock genes have been posited as a potential nexus for sleep and mood regulation in adolescents (Blake et al, 2018;Dueck et al, 2015). Further, the HPA axis and mammalian clock gene systems interact, such that stress may regulate clock gene levels (Bolsius et al, 2021;Razzoli et al, 2014) and several clock genes are expressed in brain regions implicated in emotion regulation (Kim et al, 2017;Mendoza & Vanotti, 2019;Patton & Hastings, 2018).…”

Adaptation and validation of the Mood Rhythm Instrument for use in Brazilian adolescents

“…In the context of mood disorders in adolescence, several studies have already proved the relevance of research into biological rhythms. 8,[37][38][39] Adolescents with depression showed a higher preference toward the eveningness chronotype, lower activity average, and an earlier peak for the most active hour during the day compared to controls. 37 Another study found an association with eveningness chronotype in adolescents with decreased separation anxiety, elevated symptoms of depression, and low levels of positive affect.…”

“… 1 , 2 There is a large body of research showing that circadian rhythms are important for diverse behavioral and neurobiological functions, such as mood, memory, motor activity, hormone secretion, temperature, food intake, and sleep. 3 , 4 Additionally, there are studies linking circadian system alterations to mood impairment 5 - 8 and mood disorders. 9 , 10 Nevertheless, little is known about the rhythmicity of other behavioral and physiological functions, such as appetite, sadness, irritability, self-esteem, and cognitive abilities.…”