Circadian disruption: pathways to mental disorder

Disruption in circadian systems and their relationship with environmental cycles have long been implicated in a range mental disorders. But how robust is the evidence for these associations, and how much do we know about the underlying mechanisms? We will explore this question by taking a look at several clinical examples including seasonal affective disorder, shift work disorder, and circadian rhythm sleep wake disorders. Limitations to current methodologies will be highlighted, and approaches to overcoming these discussed.