Understanding Depression: Biology, New Insights, and the Role of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Depression is a common and disabling mental health condition that affects mood, thinking, and behaviour. This talk examines the biological mechanisms underlying depression, including changes in brain chemistry, stress response systems, and neural circuits. It also explores emerging research on the molecular and cellular pathways that may contribute to depression, with particular attention to the role of circadian rhythms and sleep. Increasingly recognized as important factors in the development and persistence of depressive symptoms, these processes offer new perspectives on the biology of depression and potential directions for future research. Speakers

• Dipesh Chaudhury, Associate Professor of Biology, NYUAD; Co-Director, Health & Cognition Theme, Center for Brain & Health