Bipolar disorders in the rhythm of day and seasons: Link between bipolarity and seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common among individuals with bipolar disorder, significantly impacting their quality of life and the course of their illness. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAD in a sample of 120 individuals with bipolar disorders using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and to identify predictive factors associated with SAD. Nearly half of bipolar subjects met the criteria for SAD, according to the SPAQ. Additionally, several factors linked to seasonality in individuals with bipolar disorders were identified, such as the presence of a cyclothymic temperament and heightened emotional reactivity, leading to greater functional impairment. SAD appears to be a marker of severity in bipolar disorder due to its association with worsened symptoms, increased functional difficulties, and additional treatment challenges. These findings underscore the importance of systematically assessing seasonal patterns in individuals with bipolar disorder to improve diagnosis and management strategies.