Abstract
Background: Unlike non-seasonal depression, there is some evidence that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common among more affluent socioeconomic groups. Methods: In primary care settings in Aberdeen. 4557 subjects had previously completed a Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). From the subjects' postcodes they were allocated a Carstairs score which placed them in one of seven categories of socioeconomic deprivation. These categories were compared with regard to seasonal pathology from the SPAQ ratings. Results: Complete postcodes and Carstairs scores were established for 3772 (83%) of the 4557 subjects. No statistically significant relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and SPAQ ratings was detected. Limitations: The study population was an affluent one relative to Scotland as a whole which may have reduced the likelihood of a positive finding. The study was conducted 7 years after the census on which postcode deprivation scores were calculated, and changes therein may have occurred. Conclusions: SAD either has no relationship to social deprivation or is associated with affluence and this distinguishes it from non-seasonal depression. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 337-340 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Affective Disorders |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- seasonal affective disorder
- psychosocial deprivation
- socioeconomic factors
- depressive disorder
- PATTERN ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
- DEPRESSION
- POPULATION