| dc.description.abstract | A sample of 237 participants from the general and
Lakehead University student population were tested in
January 1992 using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment
Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, two
subscales (Demoralization and Mania) from the
Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Interview and the
Food/Drink Freguency Questionnaire. Climate, age and
occupation seem to have an influence on the prevalence
of seasonality in this sample. Three seasonality
groups (No-SAD, subsyndromal-SAD and SAD) were compared
in terms of mood and food intake. Evidence that the
depressive symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are
a by-product of core seasonality dimensions (increased
appetite, fatigue and decreased energy) was found. A
subsample of individuals was tested monthly over a 12
month period to record changes in mood, behaviour and
food intake (using the same scales as in the initial
testing along with the NEO personality inventory).
Overall, these yearlong participants reported seasonal
changes in mood— feeling worse in the fall and winter.
This pattern was more pronounced among the SAD group
participants. The Food/Drink Frequency Questionnaire
did not provide clear results over the year. | |
