London - You might think summer-born babies would have a sunny personality, but it seems they may be more likely to suffer from mood swings as adults.
Those born in the spring, on the other hand, become more positive as they get older, researchers said.
After comparing the birth season and personality types of 400 people, scientists claimed those born at certain times of the year had a greater chance of developing traits that could lead to mood imbalances.
The team from Semmelweis University in Budapest found that people with a “cyclothymic temperament”, which is characterised by rapid, frequent swings between sad and cheerful moods, tended to be born in the summer.
But a “hyperthymic temperament”, characterised by a tendency to be excessively positive, was significantly higher among those born in spring.
People born in the winter were significantly less prone to irritable moods as adults than those born at other times of the year, while those born in the autumn were less prone to depression than those born in winter.
The researchers said this was because the seasons had an effect on chemical substances in the brain that control mood, such as dopamine and serotonin.
Assistant professor Xenia Gonda said: “We can’t yet say anything about the mechanisms involved. Basically, it seems when you are born may increase or decrease your chance of developing certain mood disorders.”
Professor Eduard Vieta, from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, said: “Genetic and environmental factors are involved in one’s temperament, now we know the season at birth plays a role too.” - Daily Mail