Gender differences in seasonal affective disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether men and women with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) differ in their clinical presentation or in their response to bright light therapy. Data from all patients who participated in our SAD clinic between 1981 and 1991 were analyzed retrospectively. A linear discriminant function analysis was performed using self‐report data from the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire and the Seasonal Screening Questionnaire (N =167 women and 43 men). SIGH‐SAD ratings (consisting of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and an addendum for atypical symptoms) were analyzed to determine if men and women differed in clinician‐rated symptoms at baseline (N = 86 women and 28 men), or in their response to phototherapy (N =43 women and 16 men). Male and female SAD patients did not differ in clinician‐rated symptoms or in their response to phototherapy. However, on self‐report scales, men reported more severe illness, while women reported more carbohydrate craving, a greater percentage increase in weight, and more hours of sleep per night in the winter. The linear discriminant function analysis correctly classified 93.4% of the women but only 27.9% of the men. Since we found significant differences only on self‐report scales, our results may reflect a gender difference in symptom reporting. Alternatively, our findings may reflect gender differences in depressive symptomatology or differences between normal men and women in the sleep‐wake cycle or in carbohydrate craving. Men with SAD may have a more heterogeneous presentation than women with SAD. There is, however, no gender difference in response to phototherapy. Depression 3:13–19 (1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc .

Depressive symptomatology differentiates subgroups of patients with seasonal affective disorder

“…Although the finding of weight gain in women is remarkably consistent across studies regardless of seasonal pattern [this study; Leibenluft et al, 1995;Frank et al, 1988;Angst and Dobler-Mikola, 1984;Young et al, 1990;Ernst and Angst, 1992], we found no gender differences in the concomitant symp- toms of appetite increase or food cravings. By contrast, change in sleep in women is less consistent: one study found more hypersomnia [Leibenluft et al, 1995], while two found more initial insomnia [this study ;Angst and Dobler-Mikola, 1984]. The high prevalence of diurnal variation in our postmenopausal patients may result from changes in estrogen levels that affect sleep: postmenopausal women have more difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep [reviewed in Leibenluft, 1993], and may feel worse in the morning because of interrupted sleep.…”

Psychological status at the menopausal transition: an Italian epidemiological study

“…Several translations were obtained, and after agreement had been reached on the most valid one, the questionnaire was translated back into English in order to confirm that the content was basically the same. Considering that women have been shown to be more susceptible than men in developing a seasonal pattern to their depression [16], and in order to avoid the influence of seasonality on the mood, the questionnaires were sent in different periods during the year between March 2000 and February 2001.…”

Gender Issues in Depression

“…Women are two to four times more likely than men to present with a seasonal component (12) or atypical features (with psychomotor retardation, an increased appetite and weight gain), and higher levels of somatic symptoms, ruminations, feelings of worthlessness and guilt (13). Chronicity of depression appears to affect women more seriously than men, as manifested by greater symptom reporting, poorer social adjustment and poorer quality of life (14).…”