Lack of synchronized seasonal variation in the intensity of psychological problems

Temporal variation in the subjective intensity of psychological problems identified by 40 psychotherapy clients (most diagnosed as depressed) was investigated longitudinally. Each client rated the intensity of 10 individualized problems 3 times per week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays) for an average of 6 months. Ratings from all clients were spread over 3 years. When scores were statistically adjusted for client differences and average rate of improvement, no significant variation among months was found, regardless of problem content or client gender. Standard assessment measures administered 4 times to each client also failed to show systematic seasonal variation.