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August 27, 2013
Oregon State University
New research suggests that getting depressed when it's cold and dreary
outside may not be as common as is often believed.
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N
ew research suggests that getting depressed when it's cold and
dreary outside may not be as common as is often believed.
In a study recently published online in the Journal of
Affective Disorders, researchers found that neither time
of year nor weather conditions influenced depressive
symptoms. However, lead author David Kerr of Oregon
State University said this study does not negate the
existence of clinically diagnosed seasonal affective
disorder, also known as SAD, but instead shows that
people may be overestimating the impact that seasons
have on depression in the general population.
"It is clear from prior research that SAD exists," Kerr
said. "But our research suggests that what we often
think of as the winter blues does not affect people nearly
as much as we may think."
Kerr, who is an assistant professor in the School of
Psychological Science at OSU, said the majority of
studies of seasonal depression ask people to look back
on their feelings over time.
"People are really good at remembering certain events
and information," he said. "But, unfortunately, we
probably can't accurately recall the timing of day-to-day
emotions and symptoms across decades of our lives.
These research methods are a problem."
So Kerr and his colleagues tried a different approach.
They analyzed data from a sample of 556 community
participants in Iowa and 206 people in western Oregon.
Participants completed self-report measures of
depressive symptoms multiple times over a period of
years. These data were then compared with local
weather conditions, including sunlight intensity, during the time participants filled out
the reports.
In one study, some 92 percent of Americans reported seasonal changes in mood and
behavior, and 27% reported such changes were a problem. Yet the study suggests that
people may be overestimating the impact of wintery skies.
"We found a very small effect during the winter months, but it was much more modest
than would be expected if seasonal depression were as common as many people think
it is," said Columbia University researcher Jeff Shaman, a study co-author and a
former OSU faculty member. "We were surprised. With a sample of nearly 800 people
and very precise measures of the weather, we expected to see a larger effect."
Kerr believes the public may have overestimated the power of the winter blues for a
few reasons. These may include awareness of SAD, the high prevalence of
depression in general, and a legitimate dislike of winter weather.
"We may not have as much fun, we can feel cooped up and we may be less active in
the winter," Kerr said. "But that's not the same as long-lasting sadness, hopelessness,
and problems with appetite and sleep -- real signs of a clinical depression."
According to Kerr, people who believe they have SAD should get help. He said clinical
trials show cognitive behavior therapy, antidepressant medication, and light box
therapy all can help relieve both depression and SAD.
"Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for depression, whether or not it is
seasonal," he said. "Cognitive behavior therapy stands out because it has been shown
to keep SAD from returning the next year."
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The above story is based on materials provided by Oregon State University. Note:
Materials may be edited for content and length.
Winter depression not as common as many think
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Journal Reference:
David C.R. Kerr, Jeffrey Shaman, Isaac J. Washburn, Samuel Vuchinich, Tricia K.
Neppl, Deborah M. Capaldi, Rand D. Conger. Two Longterm Studies of Seasonal
Variation in Depressive Symptoms among Community Participants. Journal of
Affective Disorders, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.07.019
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Winter depression not as common as many think -- ScienceDaily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130827135034.htm
3 of 3 06-Apr-14 11:23 PM