Anxiety, autism, schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome each have their own distinguishing characteristics, but one factor bridging these and most other mental disorders is circadian rhythm disruption, according to a team of neuroscience, pharmaceutical sciences and computer science researchers at the University of California, Irvine.
Researchers from the University of California have hypothesized that circadian rhythm disruption – characterized by a problem with sleep – bridges the spectrum of mental health disorders.
Scientists hypothesize that circadian rhythm disruption is a psychopathology factor shared by a broad range of mental illnesses and that research into its molecular foundation could be key to unlocking better therapies and treatments.