Seasonal affective disorder and social deprivation in Aberdeen.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Royal Cornhill Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZH, UK.
John M
JM
Eagles
Jane E
JE
Andrew
Samantha M
SM
Wileman
Fiona L
FL
Howie
Isobel M
IM
Cameron
Simon A
SA
Naji
D000328:Adult; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000209:etiology*; D012923:Social Class; D012934:Social Isolation