Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 06/10/2012 01:30:01

Title: Can seasonal changes cause relapse of bipolar disorder?
Post by: thedoc on 06/10/2012 01:30:01
Cassius Clay  asked the Naked Scientists:
   Hi,

Why do people with bipolar relapse when the season changes, even if they are on medication?

What do you think?
Title: Re: Can seasonal changes cause relapse of bipolar disorder?
Post by: neilep on 07/10/2012 12:02:39
Perhaps there is a form of Bipolar that is intrinsically linked to seasonality. Any type of medication is not going to be able to affect the change of season unless someone gets prescribed to live their lives in a temperate zone where the days are pretty much the same length too. I suspect it's more affected by the light rather than the temperature though.

Now why the season has an effect is beyond me, but it must be linked to the fact that we all seem to go through mood changes in the change of season. I know I tend to feel more gloomy in the winter, especially when I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark !

Lets hope a bipolar expert calls in and elaborates.







Title: Re: Can seasonal changes cause relapse of bipolar disorder?
Post by: RD on 07/10/2012 14:13:43
Apparently Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is associated with bipolar disorder ...

Quote
Most people with SAD experience major depressive disorder, but as many as 20% may have or may go on to develop a bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder#SAD_and_bipolar_disorder