(ORDO NEWS) — Psychiatrists from the USA have shown that the full moon really affects the increase in the number of suicides.
They also found out at what time of day and in what month of the year people more often decide to commit suicide.
Both popular culture and scientific evidence have long suggested that there is a link between the full moon and exacerbations of mental disorders (such as bipolar).
There are studies that show that the age of onset of bipolar disorder varies with distance from the equator.
Other research suggests an association between suicide rates and bipolar disorder, as well as variability and amount of sunlight throughout the year.
Scientists from Indiana University (USA) decided to test the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the increase in the number of suicides and the full moon.
To do this, the researchers examined data from the Marion County Coroner’s Office in Indiana on suicides that occurred from 2012 to 2016.
It turned out that the death rate from suicide actually increased significantly during the week of the full moon. This correlation was especially noticeable for people over 55 years of age.
Scientists have also studied when suicide occurs most often. It turned out that the peak of suicides falls on 15-16 hours of the day, and September was the most “suicidal” month.
Therefore, the researchers believe that this month should be especially closely monitored for people prone to suicide attempts.
In previous studies, scientists have developed a list of key biomarkers that are elevated in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and so on.
Since the coroner’s office had blood samples taken from people who had committed suicide, scientists were able to study them. The researchers decided to look at what levels rise in blood samples during a full moon.
It turned out that during this period, the level of biomarkers associated with depression and alcohol dependence increases in people.
And also those that are responsible for regulating the internal clock of the body – circadian rhythms.
Since light plays an important role in these biorhythms, moonlight may also influence those who expect darker hours of the day, according to the researchers.
The highest risk of suicide during the period of the full moon are those who have alcohol disorders and depression.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.