Even Hamsters Get Depressed
The darkening days of fall and winter seem to bring on depression and anxiety in hamsters, just as they do for many humans, according to a new study examining symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
The APA carries a report on research presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience which suggests that much like humans suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), hamsters kept in conditions simulating winter daylight hours showed symptoms of depression and anxiety. (See our earlier story on using cognitive behavioural therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder: “CBT More Effective than Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder”.)
According to the article:
“These results in hamsters may provide some insight into the development of seasonal affective disorders in humans,” said Randy Nelson, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Ohio State University and co-author of the study. “They do suggest a relationship between season and symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
Does this bear in any way on how it actually feels to get depressed or anxious when the days are shortening? Probably not! But the findings in hamsters may offer some insight into the biological basis of seasonal affective disorder symptoms, and eventually help us to understand better how the environment around us contributes to our sense of well-being.
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28th November 2005
My name’s Bob. I’m a hamster and I’m always grumpy not just s.a.d. I can’t be bothered to get out of bed in summer let alone winter. Then my people have gone to bed - crazy creatures missing the best part of the day.
Any boffin who wants to know about depresson should come round here to my place when my supper’s late. Boy do I get blue. And if anyone messes with my wheel then i’m rady for the Prozac.
Love Bob