Seasonal affective disorder and social deprivation in Aberdeen.

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.