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Seasonal changes in psychological well-being in an elderly population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

John M. Eagles ,
Isabella H. McLeod  and
A. Stuart Douglas
John M. Eagles*
Affiliation:
Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
Isabella H. McLeod
Affiliation:
Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
A. Stuart Douglas
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen
*
Dr John Eagles, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB9 2ZH
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Abstract

Background

Little is known about seasonal fluctuations in psychological well-being among elderly people.

Method

Over a period of 21 months, 1466 elderly people completed the General Health Questionnaire and the Leeds Scales for Depression and Anxiety. Scores during the winter months (December to February) were compared with those during other months of the year.

Results

Scores on all scales were significantly higher during the winter months, but there was no difference in rates of caseness. Unlike younger populations, elderly women did not exhibit greater seasonality in well-being than did elderly men.

Conclusions

Elderly people exhibit a small seasonal fluctuation in psychological well-being, which is probably of little clinical importance, and there is no gender difference. The findings support the contention that seasonal mood changes are most pronounced among females of reproductive age.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 1 , July 1997 , pp. 53 - 55
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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