Study protocol: a cross-sectional survey of seasonal affective disorder in Danish populations with and without severe visual impairments.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience recurrent seasonal fluctuations in energy, mood and appetite. Retinal light exposure is suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of SAD. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of SAD in persons with severe visual impairments or blindness and to compare the results to a control group without visual impairments. Moreover, the authors wish to investigate whether SAD is correlated to the degree of impairment or to the diagnosis.

Methods and analysis

2781 persons with visual impairments ranging from total blindness to Snellen visual acuity 6/60 receive information letter and questionnaire by post. Completed questionnaires can be returned by post, email or telephone. For

SUBMITTER: Madsen HO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3307123 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature