Hisar Study Uncovers Seasonal Patterns in Mental Health Disorders
A comprehensive study conducted by Maharaja Agrasen Medical College in Agroha, Hisar has revealed that mental health problems significantly worsen with seasonal changes, particularly during the monsoon and autumn months. This groundbreaking research, led by Dr Seema Sharma, Professor of Community Medicine, and Dr Shekhu Bishnoi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, provides crucial insights into the temporal dynamics of mental illnesses in the region.
Research Methodology and Publication Details
The study was published in the December 2025 issue of the esteemed medical journal Medica Innovatica. Researchers meticulously analyzed psychiatric outpatient department (OPD) records spanning from January 2022 to December 2024, identifying clear and consistent seasonal patterns in mental health occurrences. The data revealed a marked increase in mental illness cases during the monsoon and autumn seasons, with the highest numbers consistently reported in August and September each year.
Key Demographic Findings and Public Health Implications
The findings indicate that individuals in the 20–39 age group, who represent the economically productive segment of society, were the most affected by these seasonal fluctuations. This underscores mental health as a significant public health and social issue with far-reaching economic consequences. The study also documented a steady rise in the number of patients attending psychiatric OPDs between 2022 and 2024, with a particularly sharper increase observed among middle-aged men.
Seasonal Patterns of Specific Mental Health Conditions
Mood disorders, particularly depression, emerged as the most common mental health condition overall. Stress-related disorders showed a distinct peak during the monsoon and autumn months, especially in August, while a noticeable decline in such cases was observed during the winter season.
Chronic tension-type headaches were identified as the second most common mental health problem, with researchers noting a higher incidence reported specifically during the summer months.
Anxiety disorders were found to be almost equally prevalent among men and women, though a noticeable rise was observed during autumn, particularly in September.
Substance-Related Disorders and Gender-Specific Patterns
Among substance-related disorders, opioid addiction was the most frequently reported, followed by alcohol dependence. Gender-wise analysis revealed distinct patterns:
- Women showed a higher incidence of headaches and dissociative disorders
- Men were more prone to mood disorders, psychosis, epilepsy, and substance abuse
- Sleep disorders and anxiety were identified as the most common mental health issues among the elderly population
Policy Recommendations and Institutional Recognition
The researchers emphasized that incorporating these seasonal trends into health planning and policy formulation could significantly improve early detection, enable timely treatment interventions, and optimize the allocation of healthcare resources. This proactive approach could help healthcare systems better prepare for seasonal surges in mental health service demand.
The research team received congratulations from distinguished figures including former MP DP Vats, Dr Alka Chhabra (Director of Maharaja Agrasen Medical College), and Dr Ashutosh Sharma (Administrative Director), who recognized their valuable contribution to public health research and seasonal mental health understanding.
