Season of birth and stimulant based disorders

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between an individual's season of birth and the diagnosis of a stimulant substance disorder. Additionally, this investigation examined the relationship between season of birth and individuals dually diagnosed with a stimulant based substance disorder and a mental health disorder. The sample consisted of 1034 case files (N=1034, 69.1% Male, 72.3% Caucasian).

Findings and Conclusions: Analyses did not produce significant results for a relationship between season of birth and drug of choice, season of birth and gender, nor for season of birth and racial differences. Analyses were also non-significant for season of birth and stimulant based diagnoses, and for gender differences or racial differences within this area. A post hoc analysis supported differences in birth rates based on quarter year births compared to season of year births which may support the need for further investigation in this area.