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Irritability during the month of Ramadan
N Kadri1, A Tilane, M El Batal
1University Psychiatric Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Hassan Second, Casablanca, Morocco. psych@casanet.net.ma
Psychosomatic Medicine
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Muslims fasting during Ramadan experience increased irritability, particularly smokers. This irritability peaks by the end of the month, influenced by psychostimulant intake and anxiety levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Fasting during Ramadan is a religious observance for Muslims worldwide.
- Potential psychological and physiological effects of Ramadan fasting are not fully understood.
- Irritability may be a common response to Ramadan fasting, particularly in certain demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify irritability levels in fasting Muslim males during Ramadan.
- To identify patterns and risk factors associated with Ramadan-related irritability.
- To explore the relationship between irritability, psychostimulant use, sleep duration, and anxiety.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week observational study involving 100 healthy male volunteers over two consecutive Ramadans.
- Assessment of subjective and objective irritability using a visual analog scale.
- Monitoring of psychostimulant consumption, sleep duration, and anxiety via the Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
Main Results:
- Irritability was significantly higher in smokers compared to nonsmokers prior to Ramadan.
- Irritability increased progressively throughout Ramadan, peaking at month's end for all participants.
- Increased irritability correlated with higher psychostimulant intake and elevated anxiety levels, with smokers showing a more pronounced increase.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan fasting is associated with increased irritability in Muslim males.
- Smoking status is a significant risk factor for heightened irritability during Ramadan.
- Psychostimulant consumption and anxiety levels appear to influence irritability patterns during Ramadan.