The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire, or SPQ for short, is a tool designed to help individuals identify and assess their mood changes that occur with the changing seasons. Many people notice that their mood shifts as the weather changes, and this questionnaire can provide insights into those patterns.

What is the SPQ?

The SPQ is a self-report questionnaire that evaluates how your mood varies throughout the year. It focuses on identifying symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other seasonal mood issues. By completing the SPQ, you can gain a better understanding of your emotional patterns related to different seasons.

Why Use the SPQ?

• Awareness: It helps you become aware of how seasonal changes affect your mood.
• Identification: It can assist in recognizing whether your mood changes are significant enough to need further evaluation or treatment.
• Communication: It provides useful information to discuss with a mental health professional.

Steps to Complete the SPQ

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a calm environment where you can focus.
2. Gather Materials: You may need a pen and paper or a digital device to record your answers.
3. Answer Honestly: Go through each question carefully and answer as truthfully as possible. The questions typically focus on your mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns throughout the year.
4. Review Your Results: After completing the questionnaire, reflect on your responses. Look for patterns in your mood related to different seasons.

Categories of Seasonal Mood Changes

The SPQ helps categorize mood changes into different types:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when sunlight is limited.
• Summer Depression: Some individuals may experience depressive symptoms during the summer months, which is less common but still recognized.
• Mood Variability: Others may not fit the criteria for SAD but still notice significant mood swings and changes in energy levels throughout the year.

Real-Life Examples

• Example 1: Sarah completes the SPQ and realizes she tends to feel more tired and less motivated during the winter. She often finds it hard to get out of bed on cold, dark mornings. Her results indicate that she experiences symptoms of SAD.
• Example 2: Mike notices that he feels more anxious and irritable in the summer when the days are longer and hotter. His SPQ results help him understand that he may be experiencing summer depression.
• Example 3: Lisa doesn’t have a clear diagnosis but realizes her mood improves significantly in spring when flowers bloom and days get longer. The SPQ provides her with clarity about her seasonal mood fluctuations.

Conclusion

The Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire is a valuable tool for anyone interested in understanding how seasonal changes affect their mood. Whether you're a patient, a psychology student, or just someone curious about psychological assessments, the SPQ can illuminate the way your emotions shift throughout the year.