Seasonal variation and alcohol consumption: A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction

Seasonal and geographic variations in light exposure influence human mood and behavior, including alcohol consumption. In literature alcohol consumption have a clear seasonal rhythm, with specific differences during the year . Seasonal changes in mood and behavior (seasonality) may be closely related to alcoholism. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between alcohol consumption and seasonal variation.

Method

One hundred and nine inpatient are assessed with: the SCID-P for axis I diagnosis. Inclusion criteria are: (1) acute alcohol intoxication at the admission. All the socio-demographic characteristics are explained.

Results

The peak period of alcohol admission is in the autumn, the lowest period is in spring in April and May. There is any significant difference related to gender. The 76% of the admission are coerced admission. The rates of co-morbidity are: personality disorders (30.3%), affective disorders (22.9%) and psychotic disorders (12.8%).

Discussion and conclusion

Some patients with alcoholism have a seasonal pattern to their alcohol misuse. Several lines of evidence suggest that changes in the circadian system are also involved in the development of non-seasonal mood disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. Thus, developmental alcohol exposure produces subtle abnormalities in circadian rhythms that may contribute to the development of seasonal and non-seasonal mood disorders. Further research is warranted to replicate our clinical and qualitative observations and, in general, quantitative studies in large samples followed up over time are needed. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.