Depression is the leading cause of disease burden in middle-income and high-income countries. It is characterised by low mood, a loss of interest in or pleasure from things that were previously enjoyable, and other symptoms. Among other factors, it is thought that differences in the circadian system, or ‘body clock,’ may play a role in the development of and treatment of depression.

This study is investigating how differences in the body clock between people with and without depression, and how sleep and the body clock may change during antidepressant treatment.

If you’re currently experiencing depression, you may be eligible to take part and help researchers better understand depression. Sign up today to learn more and to make a difference! 

Please note: This study is currently seeking adults aged 18-40 who have been diagnosed with depression and are not currently taking antidepressant medication. If you’re not one of them, please share this study with someone you know.

• Men and women aged 18–40 who are currently experiencing depression or believe they may be.

• Able to remain in the same time zone (ACST) for 3 months before and during the study
• No personal or family history of mental illness such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia (excluding depression and anxiety)
• Not currently taking any medications 
• Not currently pregnant 
• Must not have an irregular menstrual cycle
• Able and willing to participate in a 12-week research study

• Participants will be compensated up to $2000 for participating in this study. 
• Participation may allow you to learn about and reflect on your own sleep patterns and body clock.

• Understanding differences in the body clock and how these change with treatment may help guide more individualized care choices.

Dr. Sean W Cain is a circadian biologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He trained in human circadian rhythms at Harvard Medical School and is the immediate Past President of the Australasian Chronobiology Society. His research focuses on the effects of light on the human circadian system and how our modern light environments and light-related behaviours affect our health.

Professor Sean Cain, PhD

Chief Investigator

Dr Alicia C Lander is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at FHMRI: Sleep Health with over 5 years of experience in the field. She trained in sleep and circadian rhythms at Monash University. Her research focuses on the effects of light on the human circadian system and how light impacts our mental health and cognition.

Dr Alicia Lander, PhD

Project Leader

Research Site:

Flinders University

Location:

Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute: Sleep Health

Lead Researcher:

Professor Sean Cain, PhD (Chief Investigator) and Dr Alicia Lander, PhD (Project Leader)

Ethics Committee:

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Flinders HREC (HREC Project Number 7614)

Flinders FHMRI Sleep Health team and the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health (AISH) clinic are conducting world-leading transdisciplinary research to advance knowledge of sleep and neuroscience. They are a transdisciplinary team comprising more than 60 health and medical professionals, students, and researchers collectively combining clinical, physiology, psychology, engineering, and epidemiology expertise. They also have external expert and consumer advisory groups that provide well-developed links to internationally based universities, industry partners, professional societies, and representatives of those who matter most: patients and the community.

Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

This trial has been reviewed and approved by an independent ethics committee. 

All research staff that are running this trial have been trained in GCP, which assures that the rights, safety, and well-being of research subjects are protected and respected.

We follow all established national privacy standards used in all doctors' offices, hospitals and other businesses where personal medical information is stored.

All data you provide us is encrypted and stored safely and securely in accordance with security and privacy rules.

Informed Consent Before Participation

Withdraw At Any Time

Strictly Confidential

Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.

If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.

You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including treatment, risks and procedures, and given the chance to ask questions to study staff, before you decide whether to participate.

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