The influence of circadian rhythms on the origin, course and treatment of human psychical disorders

Circadian rhythms control several major functions in our body. Today's hectic lifestyle could damage circadian rhythms and also trigger a number of negative conditions that are predictors of psychical disorders. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are classified as serious mental disorders with a recurrent course and frequent long-term to lifelong treatment. Disruption of circadian rhythms has been shown to worsen the symptoms of these psychical disorders and increase their relapse rates. The disrupted circadian rhythms have the greatest impact on sleep patterns and differential rhythms of hormone production. Many studies suggest chronobiological treatment as a possible adjunctive treatment to conventional treatment with antidepressants and antipsychotics. The main goal of chronobiological treatment is to return the circadian rhythm to its correct original state. Although there is some association between circadian rhythms and the pathophysiology of psychical disorders, its exact role is not clearly understood. Key words: circadian rhythms, psychical disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, slee