Seasonal changes in mood and behaviors in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder trait

Abstract

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder often accompanied by mood disorders such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by seasonal mood and behavioral changes. Although a genetic link between ADHD and SAD has been proposed, research on their relationship remains limited.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore the relationship between ADHD traits and seasonal mood changes. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), measured by the General Seasonality Score (GSS), were used.

Results

From a sample of 3000 participants, a significant correlation was found between ASRS and GSS (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Potential ADHD subjects had significantly higher GSS scores than non-ADHD subjects (mean 10.2 vs. 6.7, p < 0.001). The prevalence of potential SAD during winter was higher among potential ADHD participants: 8.5% in potential ADHD participants, and 2.0% in non-ADHD participants (p < 0.001). Further analyses indicated that possible ADHD participants experienced significant seasonal changes in body weight, sleep duration, and food preferences. Additional analyses using GSS as a covariate showed that changes in body weight and sleep duration were not solely due to GSS, whereas changes in food preference were significantly associated with GSS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that individuals with ADHD traits are more susceptible to seasonal mood variations. Additionally, ADHD traits were significantly associated with seasonal changes in body weight, sleep patterns, and food preferences. These findings underscore the importance of considering seasonal factors in clinical settings to improve the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.