Circadian markers as a predictor of response in the treatment of depression–A systematic review

• Published in: Psychiatry research Vol. 338; p. 115976
• Main Authors: Druiven, S.J.M., Hovenkamp-Hermelink, J.H.M., Kamphuis, J., Haarman, B.C.M., Meesters, Y., Riese, H., Schoevers, R.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2024
• ISSN: 0165-1781; 1872-7123; 1872-7123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115976

•Circadian markers show potential to implement as response markers to antidepressant treatment in the clinic.•Diurnal mood variation and chronotype were found to be the most reliable predictors of response.•Additional research with less variation in types of markers and treatments or other research designs are needed to provide definitive recommendations. Despite many available treatment options for depression, response rates remain suboptimal. To improve outcome, circadian markers may be suitable as markers of treatment response. This systematic review provides an overview of circadian markers that have been studied as predictors of response in treatment of depression. A search was performed (EMBASE, PUBMED, PSYCHINFO) for research studies or articles, randomized controlled trials and case report/series with no time boundaries on March 2, 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42021252333). Other criteria were; an antidepressant treatment as intervention, treatment response measured by depression symptom severity and/or occurrence of a clinical diagnosis of depression and assessment of a circadian marker at baseline. 44 articles, encompassing 8,772 participants were included in the analysis. Although additional research is needed with less variation in types of markers and treatments to provide definitive recommendations, circadian markers, especially diurnal mood variation and chronotype, show potential to implement as response markers in the clinic.