Seasonality of mood disorders in adults with lifetime attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in adults with lifetime Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Patients eligible for this study had lifetime impairing symptoms of ADHD and a current and/or past co-morbid mood disorder according to their medical record. The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) was administered by a telephone interview to assess seasonality.


RESULTS
The overall rate of SAD in this clinical population of adults with ADHD was estimated at 27%. Females were more at risk to develop SAD than men.


CONCLUSIONS
The SPAQ is a screening, not a diagnostic instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
SAD symptoms are frequently comorbid with ADHD in adults. These results have clinical relevance for the recognition and treatment of SAD with bright light therapy in adults with ADHD.
Amons
P J T
PJ
Parnassia Group, PsyQ, psycho-medical programmes, Programme Adult ADHD, Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR Den Haag, The Netherlands.
Kooij
J J S
JJ
Haffmans
P M J
PM
Hoffman
T O
TO
Hoencamp
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires