The study takes will take approximately ~2.5 months to complete. Participants will complete:

1. Two weeks of at-home monitoring using research devices to measure sleep, light and activity.

2. A 3-night laboratory stay at Flinders Health and Medical Research - Sleep Health Laboratory (Bedford Park, SA).

3. Eight weeks of at antidepressant treatment with 30mg of Citalopram and further at-home monitoring.

4. A secondary 3-night laboratory stay.

We are seeking patients who may be experiencing depression and are an appropriate candidate for Citalopram, but not currently taking antidepressants or other regular medications. Additionally criteria include:

• Aged 18-40

• Have a regular GP (the research team will liaise with you)

• Have no neurological, medical, or MRI-incompatible conditions

• Have no sleep conditions (excluding insomnia)

• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have not completed recent shift work (a wash out period may apply)

• Patients who are eligible for the study will be asked to provide consent for the research team to contact you.

• We will request information on:

  • Whether the patient is suitable for treatment with Citalopram.

  • Whether there is any aspect of the patient's medical history that would make them unsuitable for this medication.

  • Any past or current history of mental health conditions.

• This information will be requested via a formal letter on clinic letterhead and should include your signature.

• Citalopram will be prescribed and monitored by the study psychiatrist, Professor Suresh Sundram.

• The research team will maintain communication with you regarding the patient's wellbeing throughout the study.

For clinician enquiries please contact Dr Alicia Lander (Project Leader) at alicia.lander@flinders.edu.au or call on 8432 4760

Our laboratory group run no-cost community education sessions about the latest research on circadian rhythms, light, and mental health. If you or your team are interested in this let us know by emailing malisa.burge@flinders.edu.au