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Lunar phase and psychiatric illness in goa
R Parmeshwaran1, V Patel, J M Fernandes
1R. PARMESHWARAN, Post Graduate Student, Institute of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Goa.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|April 2, 2011
Summary
This study found more non-affective psychosis patients visited a Goa hospital during the full moon (FM). No link was seen for depression or mania, but a visible lunar eclipse amplified the psychosis increase.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Astronomy
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Conflicting research exists on lunar cycle effects on mental health.
- Previous studies show varied results regarding moon phases and psychiatric admissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between full moon (FM), new moon (NM), and other moon (OM) days and psychiatric disorders.
- To examine if lunar or solar eclipses correlate with psychiatric patient numbers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of new psychiatric patients at a tertiary hospital in Goa over two years (1997 & 1993).
- Comparison of patient counts for non-affective psychoses, depression, and mania on FM, NM, and OM days.
- Examination of patient numbers on eclipse days.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in non-affective psychoses was observed on full moon (FM) days.
- No significant patterns were found for mania or depression across moon phases.
- The rise in non-affective psychoses was more pronounced during visible lunar eclipses.
Conclusions:
- A demonstrable relationship exists between the full moon (FM) and non-affective psychoses.
- Further research is needed to explore potential mechanisms and implications.
- Lunar phases may influence the presentation of specific psychiatric conditions.
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