Evaluation of seasonality in six clinical populations and two normal populations

J Psychiatr Res. 1991;25(3):75-87. doi: 10.1016/0022-3956(91)90001-q.

Abstract

The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) was used to evaluate retrospectively self-reported seasonal changes in mood and behavior (seasonality) of two normal and six clinical populations: patients with winter-seasonal affective disorder (SAD), summer-SAD, eating disorders, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder and subsyndromal winter-SAD. The SPAQ successfully discriminated between groups expected to have high seasonality scores, such as winter-SAD, summer-SAD and subsyndromal winter-SAD, and normal controls. Bipolars and major depressives had normal seasonality scores. Patients with eating disorders had unexpectedly high scores. There was a general tendency for all groups to eat and sleep more and to gain weight in the winter. The implications of these findings are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / diagnosis
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology
  • Appetite
  • Arousal
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Body Weight
  • Bulimia / diagnosis
  • Bulimia / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reference Values
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / psychology*
  • Seasons*
  • Sleep Stages
  • Social Behavior