I am curious about whether there is any interest in a discussion about a possible connection between circadian rhythm changes in early adulthood/late adolescence as a potential mechanism for first episode psychosis and the onset of schizophrenia? My aunt, me and now my young adult offspring have all been diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features and I am interested in whether others in this forum have noticed unusual patterns in sleep/wake cycles in early childhood that perhaps become intensified during the shift in circadian rhythm that happens in late adolescence? I am aware that circadian rhythm is regulated by the pineal gland, and the hormones (melatonin, cortisol etc) produced by this gland in turn regulate the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and glutamate that are implicated in psychosis/schizophrenia? I have used an AI instrument to help generate a hypothesis and can share that if there is any interest? I am just tired of seeing multiple generations of my family affected by this disease and frustrated at the lack of progress over the last half century or so in understanding and treating this devastating problem. Please let me know if I am in the right place or if there is any interest in this topic. I realize that there may have been prior discussion and I am new to this forum. Thanks in advance
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Welcome to the forum.
There’s definitely a connection, but I don’t think it’s a direct cause but rather a consequence of the illness. For example. I’ve had sleep or circadian issues since childhood too, it only got worse with the development of schizophrenia.
On antidepressants (fluoxetine to be specific) - it seems to feel like I can correct it a little bit at least though.
yes I have developed severe sleep routine disruption. I used to sleep 14 hours a day. I sometimes go to bed at 6am and sleep till 4pm. I never felt like getting up after sleep. Since I was around 14years old this started.
Not from me. Sorry. You’re posting in the wrong category as well, this one is only for SZ related news links.
Welcome to the community.
Moved to DX’d - Other.
v.
Thanks for your reply. I am curious about your sleep/ circadian rhythm issues started in childhood? For example, both my offspring and I were very early risers in childhood, typically waking around 4 am. Neither of us were nappers either. This is different from my other two children who had more average waking times and neither of whom developed a serious mental illness. I realize that this is anecdotal, but that is why I am posting on this forum, to see if there are others who have experienced this pattern before the onset of schizophrenia - either very early or very late wake times - in childhood. I am wondering whether the natural shift in circadian rhythm that occurs in late adolescence/ early adulthood is more disruptive to people with more rigid or delayed circadian rhythms and whether a cascade effect occurs when the circadian rhythm shifts naturally in late adulthood.
ok. thank you for moving this post. I am new, so I appreciate the help
Okay, thank you for letting me know
Did you have disrupted sleep/wake cycles in early childhood as well, that you know of?
Yeah, they started in childhood. I’d sleep only later than bed time because I was an insomniac. Around 16, it became difficult to get out of bed because I wouldn’t be awake fully despite sleep for the night. Idk if it was ineffective sleep or just bad patterns but this persisted till I was diagnosed (insomnia and bad wake up ability)
Started at age 14
Are you diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related disorder? This is a support forum for those suffering from MI. There is a separate forum for family members that can be found here:
If you’re a family member of those with schizophrenia and not someone with the condition, then that side of the community would be more appropriate for you.
Cheers.
v.
Yes, about thirty years ago I was homeless, hospitalized via mental inquest warrant, started receiving social security disability and lived in transitional housing for people with serious mental illness. I had auditory hallucinations, magical thinking etc. Although I currently no longer am on disability I have direct experience with severe mental illness. So hopefully that qualifies me to comment on this forum, although I qualify as a family member as well and very much appreciate this link. On family forums I don’t always feel comfortable discussing my own experiences with mental illness
people with sz and other mental illnesses tend to have problems with sleep. Honestly i think trauma causes loss of sleep and that contributes largely to a lot of mental illness, but thats just my theory.
My hypothesis is that circadian rhythm dysfunction might be a cause rather than a consequence of schizophrenia and related mental illness. It may not fully present until late adolescence/early adulthood due to the circadian rhythm changes that occur naturally at that developmental stage.
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