Change of seasons, changes in mood

The winter blues may be more common than once believed, according to a study presented at APA's 1999 Annual Convention.

Morton G. Harmatz, PhD, and colleagues have confirmed that even people who are not clinically depressed or diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder can experience seasonal depression and other negative emotions.

In their study, researchers followed more than 300 patients from the Fallon Healthcare System in Massachusetts for one year to measure several medical and psychological features each season. Participants reported higher cases of depression, anxiety, hostility, anger and irritability in winter than any other season. These seasonal changes in mood occurred regardless of the age or gender of the participants, according to the study.

Further research on the reasons behind seasonal mood changes is needed, say researchers. A person's diet, activity and exposure to light often vary with each season and may be factors in the differences.

--M. Waters

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