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Seasonal cocaine abuse
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can influence cocaine craving, with fluctuations mirroring seasonal mood changes. This finding expands understanding of mood disorders linked to cocaine use.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder linked to seasonal changes.
- Cocaine self-administration is a complex behavior with various contributing factors.
Observation:
- Two patients exhibited cyclical patterns in cocaine craving.
- These craving fluctuations correlated directly with seasonal mood disturbances, specifically seasonal dysphoria.
Findings:
- The study identified a novel association between seasonal affective disorder and cocaine craving.
- This suggests that mood regulation, particularly in SAD, may impact substance use behaviors.
Implications:
- This research broadens the spectrum of Axis I psychiatric disorders associated with cocaine self-administration.
- Understanding the seasonal component of mood disorders may offer new avenues for treating co-occurring substance use disorders.