Season of Birth and Major Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Fountoulakis Konstantinos N, Iacovides Apostolos, Karamouzis Michael, Kaprinis George S, Ierodiakonou Charalambos
Primary Institution: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Hypothesis
Does the season of birth affect the clinical manifestations of unipolar major depression?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the season of birth may influence the severity of depressive symptoms in unipolar major depression.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients born in spring had higher HDRS scores.
- Patients born in summer had the lowest HAS scores.
- 90% of DST non-suppressors were born in autumn and winter.
- No significant effect of season of birth on suicidal ideation was found.
Takeaway
The time of year you are born might affect how sad you feel later in life, especially if you have depression.
Methodology
The study involved 45 major depressive patients and 90 matched controls, using various scales to assess symptoms and the Dexamethasone Suppression Test to categorize patients.
Potential Biases
The methodology differed between patients and controls, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and lacked DST data in controls.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 10 males and 35 females aged 19–60 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.011
Statistical Significance
p = 0.011
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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