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Influence of Climate on the Prevalence of Mania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. E. Monaghan
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Regional Hospital, Galway

Abstract

Monthly rates of admission of manic patients to the Department of Psychiatry in Galway Regional Hospital were examined for a five-year period. Monthly variation in admission rates was compared with monthly levels of sunshine, temperature and daylength. Results indicated a significant seasonal variation in the prevalence of mania: admission rates were higher in the sunnier months and in months with a greater average daylength. It is suggested that the presentation of mania in this fashion is due to an abnormal response to light in these patients.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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