The Influence of Circadian Rhythm on Bipolar Disorder

Circadian rhythm disorder is one of the main symptoms of bipolar disorder. The circadian rhythm disorder in bipolar disorders is caused by the combined effects of genes, neurotransmitters, hormones, etc. It can manifest as a gene expression disorder, a sleep-wake cycle disorder, and other metabolic disorders of the body. Its influencing factors include season, light intensity, working mechanism, and social pressure. Treatment of bipolar disorder often begins with addressing circadian rhythm disorders, thus giving rise to various therapies, ranging from drugs to psychological and behavioral therapies. This article mainly summarizes the information regarding the introduction of circadian rhythm, the interplay between bidirectional regulation and circadian rhythm, and the association between circadian rhythm disorders and their respective treatment strategies. Moreover, this review aims to generate insights for future research on novel therapeutic approaches and drug development for the bipolar disorder treatment.