Evaluating the Impact of Age-Related Macular Degeneration on Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Chinese Population

• Weijia Yang ^[1] ; Jun Jia ^[1] ; Xu Liu ^[1] ; Pengfei Wan ^[1]
  1. [1] Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, 710038 Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
• Localización: Actas españolas de psiquiatría, ISSN 1139-9287, Vol. 53, Nº. 5, 2025, págs. 939-946
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually affects the macular region of the retina, while seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a complex mental disorder. However, the interaction between these two clinical conditions remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the influence of AMD on SAD and to assess the correlation of ocular pathology with lifestyle and mental health factors.

    Methods: This study recruited 158 AMD patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, China, between January 2020 and October 2023. Based on their affection status, the patients were divided into two groups: the SAD group (n = 58) and the non-SAD group (n = 100). Baseline characteristics, including blood pressure, hematological parameters, ocular parameters, and lifestyle factors, were compared between the two groups to evaluate the potential influence of AMD on SAD.

    Results: We observed specific differences in the family history of mental illness between the non-SAD and SAD groups (p < 0.001). However, the two groups' other baseline characteristics, such as blood pressure and hematological parameters, were comparable (p > 0.05). Additionally, significant differences were also observed in central retinal thickness (CRT), choroidal thickness, lesion atrophy area, and macular volume between the two groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, intraocular pressure (IOP) did not reveal a~significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the SAD group, the non-SAD group had significantly better vision, longer exercise duration, sunlight exposure time, outdoor activity, and lower sedentary behavior (all p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis indicated that increased macular volume (odds ratio (OR) = 3.054, p = 0.008) and sedentary behavior (OR = 4.382, p < 0.001) significantly increased SAD risk. Additionally, the absence of a family history of mental illness did not reach statistical significance (OR = 0.375, p = 0.129), but a specific correlation was still observed.

    Conclusion: This study shows a correlation between SAD and AMD. The significant differences in ocular pathological characteristics, lifestyle factors, and mental health status between the SAD and non-SAD groups suggest the crucial role of visual function and lifestyle in regulating mood and circadian rhythm in AMD patients.