LACK OF SYNCHRONIZED SEASONAL-VARIATION IN THE INTENSITY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL-PROBLEMS

Temporal variation in the subjective intensity of psychological proble ms identified by 40 psychotherapy clients (most diagnosed as depressed ) was investigated longitudinally. Each client rated the intensity of 10 individualized problems 3 times per week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, a nd Sundays) for an average of 6 months. Ratings from all clients were spread over 3 years. When scores were statistically adjusted for clien t differences and average rate of improvement, no significant variatio n among months was found, regardless of problem content or client gend er. Standard assessment measures administered 4 times to each client a lso failed to show systematic seasonal variation.