Seasonal affective disorder and social deprivation in Aberdeen

Unlike non-seasonal depression, there is some evidence that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common among more affluent socioeconomic groups.

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.

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.

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.

SAD either has no relationship to social deprivation or is associated with affluence and this distinguishes it from non-seasonal depression.