Winter-over syndrome: Difference between revisions

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The '''winter-over syndrome''' is a condition that occurs in individuals who "winter-over" throughout the Antarctic (or Arctic) winter, which can last seven to eight months.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Oliver|first=Donna|date=1979|title=Some Psychological Effects Of Isolation and Confinement In An Antarctic Winter-over Group|url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/302983797|journal=Dissertation|volume=|pages=|access-date=29 November 2018|via=ProQuest}}</ref> It has been observed in inhabitants of [[research stations in Antarctica]], as well as in [[polar base]]s such as [[Thule Research Station|Thule]], [[Alert, Nunavut|Alert]] and [[Eureka, Nunavut|Eureka]]. It consists of a variety of behavioral and medical disturbances, including [[irritability]], [[Depression (mood)|depression]], [[insomnia]], [[absentmindedness]], aggressive behavior, and [[irritable bowel syndrome]].<ref name=onthice>{{cite web|url=http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/bec/papers/Palinkas_On_The_Ice.pdf |title=On the ice: Individual and group adaptation in Antarctica |author=Palinkas LA |accessdate=2011-11-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623024832/http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/bec/papers/Palinkas_On_The_Ice.pdf |archivedate=2012-06-23 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=PALINKAS|first1=LAWRENCE A|title=Association between the Polar T3 Syndrome and the Winter-Over Syndrome in Antarctica|url=https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1999/nsf98106/98106htm/nsf98106h2.html|website=NSF.org|accessdate=11 April 2017}}</ref>
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
The Antarctic winter is a period of no physical contact with other continents or Antarctic stations, including no airplanes, ships, or mail. For these reasons, the immobility, monotony, harsh physical environment, sexual deprivation, and the general isolation, are believed to contribute to increased anxiety and depression among the residents of the station.<ref name=":0" />
| name            = Winter-over syndrome
 
| image          = [[File:Nordkinnhalvoya-polar-night.jpg|250px]]
Several studies have been done over the years to determine the contributing causes, or stresses, of "winter-over" syndrome. These include [[Stress (biology)|stress]], [[social isolation]], [[subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder]] and [[polar T3 syndrome|polar T<sub>3</sub> syndrome]].<ref name=palinkas1997>{{cite web|title=Association between the Polar T<sub>3</sub> Syndrome and the Winter-Over Syndrome in Antarctica|url=https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1999/nsf98106/98106htm/nsf98106h2.html|vauthors=Palinkas LA, Reed HL, Do NV |publisher=Antarctic Journal of the United States Review 1997|year=1997|accessdate=2011-11-04}}</ref><ref name=onthice/> It would appear that the cold, danger, and hardships are not major stresses. The most important psychological stresses appear to be: the problem of individual adjustment to the group, the relative monotony of the environment, and the absence of certain accustomed sources of emotional satisfaction.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mullin|first=Captain Charles|date=October 1960|title=Some Psychological Aspects of Isolated Antarctic Living|journal=American Journal of Psychiatry|volume=117|issue=4|pages=323–325|doi=10.1176/ajp.117.4.323|pmid=13726749}}</ref> In addition to isolation from the outside world, there is confinement or lack of isolation within the research stations themselves. During fieldwork conducted at [[McMurdo Station|McMurdo]] and [[South pole base|South Pole]] stations in 1988 and 1989, informants complained that the lack of privacy and constant gossip that existed within the community, had a negative influence on social relationships, especially between men and women. As a result, 60% of one's leisure time is spent alone in a dorm room, whereas others are forced to work and live in confined spaces, due to the nature of their work.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Palinkas|first=Lawrence|date=1992|title=Going to Extremes: The Cultural Context of Stress, Illness, and Coping In Antarctica|journal=Social Science and Medicine|volume=35|issue=5|pages=651–664|doi=10.1016/0277-9536(92)90004-A}}</ref>
| caption        = Polar night, a contributing factor to Winter-over syndrome
 
| field          = [[Psychiatry]], [[Sleep medicine]]
 
| symptoms        = [[Depression (mood)|Depression]], [[insomnia]], [[cognitive impairment]], [[irritability]], [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]]
== References ==
| complications  = [[Seasonal affective disorder]], [[chronic sleep deprivation]]
{{reflist}}
| onset          = During [[polar night]]
 
| duration        = Varies, typically during winter months
[[Category:Polar exploration]]
| causes          = [[Isolation]], [[extreme cold]], [[lack of sunlight]]
[[Category:Thyroid disease]]
| risks          = [[Antarctic expeditioners]], [[Arctic researchers]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical evaluation
 
| differential    = [[Seasonal affective disorder]], [[chronic fatigue syndrome]]
 
| prevention      = [[Light therapy]], [[structured social activities]]
{{antarctica-stub}}
| treatment      = [[Light therapy]], [[psychotherapy]], [[medication]]
{{arctic-stub}}
| frequency      = Common among polar researchers
{{mental-disorder-stub}}
}}
{{stb}}
{{Short description|A condition experienced by individuals spending extended periods in polar regions}}
<gallery>
'''Winter-over syndrome''' is a condition that affects individuals who spend extended periods in isolated and extreme environments, particularly in polar regions such as Antarctica during the winter months. This syndrome is characterized by a range of psychological and physiological symptoms that arise due to the unique conditions of these environments.
File:Nordkinnhalvoya-polar-night.jpg
==Symptoms==
</gallery>
Individuals experiencing winter-over syndrome may exhibit a variety of symptoms, which can be broadly categorized into psychological and physiological effects.
===Psychological Symptoms===
* '''Mood disturbances''': Individuals may experience [[depression]], [[anxiety]], and irritability. The lack of sunlight and social isolation can exacerbate these mood changes.
* '''Cognitive changes''': There may be difficulties with [[memory]], concentration, and decision-making.
* '''Sleep disturbances''': Altered sleep patterns, including [[insomnia]] or excessive sleepiness, are common due to the disruption of circadian rhythms.
===Physiological Symptoms===
* '''Changes in appetite''': Some individuals may experience increased appetite and weight gain, while others may have reduced appetite.
* '''Fatigue''': Persistent tiredness and lack of energy are frequently reported.
* '''Decreased immune function''': Prolonged exposure to stress and extreme conditions can weaken the [[immune system]], making individuals more susceptible to infections.
==Causes==
Winter-over syndrome is primarily caused by the unique environmental conditions of polar regions during the winter months. These include:
* '''Isolation''': The remoteness and confinement of polar stations can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
* '''Lack of sunlight''': The polar night, a period of continuous darkness, disrupts the body's natural [[circadian rhythm]] and can lead to [[seasonal affective disorder]] (SAD).
* '''Extreme weather conditions''': Harsh weather, including severe cold and strong winds, can limit outdoor activities and contribute to psychological stress.
==Management==
Managing winter-over syndrome involves addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of the condition. Strategies include:
* '''Light therapy''': Exposure to artificial light that mimics sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood.
* '''Social support''': Encouraging social interaction and communication among team members can alleviate feelings of isolation.
* '''Physical activity''': Regular exercise can help maintain physical health and improve mood.
* '''Psychological support''': Access to mental health resources, such as counseling or therapy, can be beneficial.
==Prevention==
Preventive measures are crucial for individuals preparing for extended stays in polar regions. These may include:
* '''Pre-deployment training''': Preparing individuals for the psychological and physical challenges of polar environments.
* '''Screening''': Identifying individuals who may be at higher risk for developing winter-over syndrome.
* '''Monitoring''': Regular assessment of psychological and physical health during the winter-over period.
==See also==
* [[Seasonal affective disorder]]
* [[Circadian rhythm]]
* [[Antarctica]]
* [[Polar regions]]
[[Category:Psychological syndromes]]
[[Category:Polar regions]]
[[Category:Sleep disorders]]

Latest revision as of 15:40, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Winter-over syndrome
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Depression, insomnia, cognitive impairment, irritability, fatigue
Complications Seasonal affective disorder, chronic sleep deprivation
Onset During polar night
Duration Varies, typically during winter months
Types N/A
Causes Isolation, extreme cold, lack of sunlight
Risks Antarctic expeditioners, Arctic researchers
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis Seasonal affective disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome
Prevention Light therapy, structured social activities
Treatment Light therapy, psychotherapy, medication
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common among polar researchers
Deaths N/A


A condition experienced by individuals spending extended periods in polar regions


Winter-over syndrome is a condition that affects individuals who spend extended periods in isolated and extreme environments, particularly in polar regions such as Antarctica during the winter months. This syndrome is characterized by a range of psychological and physiological symptoms that arise due to the unique conditions of these environments.

Symptoms[edit]

Individuals experiencing winter-over syndrome may exhibit a variety of symptoms, which can be broadly categorized into psychological and physiological effects.

Psychological Symptoms[edit]

  • Mood disturbances: Individuals may experience depression, anxiety, and irritability. The lack of sunlight and social isolation can exacerbate these mood changes.
  • Cognitive changes: There may be difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
  • Sleep disturbances: Altered sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleepiness, are common due to the disruption of circadian rhythms.

Physiological Symptoms[edit]

  • Changes in appetite: Some individuals may experience increased appetite and weight gain, while others may have reduced appetite.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy are frequently reported.
  • Decreased immune function: Prolonged exposure to stress and extreme conditions can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Causes[edit]

Winter-over syndrome is primarily caused by the unique environmental conditions of polar regions during the winter months. These include:

  • Isolation: The remoteness and confinement of polar stations can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
  • Lack of sunlight: The polar night, a period of continuous darkness, disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm and can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  • Extreme weather conditions: Harsh weather, including severe cold and strong winds, can limit outdoor activities and contribute to psychological stress.

Management[edit]

Managing winter-over syndrome involves addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of the condition. Strategies include:

  • Light therapy: Exposure to artificial light that mimics sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood.
  • Social support: Encouraging social interaction and communication among team members can alleviate feelings of isolation.
  • Physical activity: Regular exercise can help maintain physical health and improve mood.
  • Psychological support: Access to mental health resources, such as counseling or therapy, can be beneficial.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures are crucial for individuals preparing for extended stays in polar regions. These may include:

  • Pre-deployment training: Preparing individuals for the psychological and physical challenges of polar environments.
  • Screening: Identifying individuals who may be at higher risk for developing winter-over syndrome.
  • Monitoring: Regular assessment of psychological and physical health during the winter-over period.

See also[edit]

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