#Names of astronomical phenomena full#
#Names of astronomical phenomena code#

A case report detailing the relationship between the eclipse event and psychiatric behavior has been published elsewhere.

#Names of astronomical phenomena full#

For the purpose of our study, a full moon is defined as 12 hours before and 12 hours after (a 24-hour model) the full moon phase aligning, with military time 0001 to 2400, according to hospital order standard time administration policy.īased upon the dates examined, our analysis included the rare occurrence of a partial solar eclipse in Buffalo, New York. To assess the relationship between lunar phases and these markers, data were separated into groups based upon temporal relationship to a full moon (i.e., full moon, 14 days before, and 14 days after). Reports of agitation and aggression were measured by the requirement of an emergent psychiatric intervention (code green ) or the intervention of a restraint or seclusion (R&S) during this timeframe. A retrospective review of all agitation and aggression events reported in adult inpatients hospitalized at a state psychiatric center at any time from September 1, 2013, through July 31, 2018, was conducted. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of record for the facility (New York State Psychiatric Institute). 12 To settle the debate, further investigation into the impact of these events on patients with mental illness is warranted. 10, 11 However, behavioral outbursts have been associated with altered prolactin levels during eclipses. 1, 6 – 9 To the contrary, some studies suggest that suicide rates decline in the periods leading up to solar eclipses. This belief is not restricted to the general population, and studies have found that mental health professionals report believing that astronomical phenomena are associated with increased emergency department admissions, violent crimes, and patient agitation. 5ĭespite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief that astronomical phenomena influence the emergence of psychiatric symptoms remains. These theories are similarly limited by a lack of reputable information. 4 Since eclipses are celestial events involving direct alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, these phenomena have also been suggested to impact human behavior. 1 – 3 Literature regarding the potential influence of lunar phases on emotional status exists however, findings are inconsistent, and discrepancies are noted in the variable definitions of “full moon” used by researchers. These historic perceptions of cosmic influences are predominantly based on the theory of “biological tides,” which are influenced primarily by the moon and thought to provoke emotional disturbances. Throughout history, there has been a hypothesized association between astronomical phenomena, such as lunar and solar phases, and the behavior of humans and animals. Conclusion: There was no real association between lunar and solar behavior and the actions of patients with psychiatric disorders. Results: While there was a slight decrease in mean R&S on days where there was a full moon or in the month of a partial solar eclipse, the results were not considered to be significant or associated with human behavior.

We also compared full moon phase effects in 2017 to other years to benchmark whether the solar eclipse appeared to influence behavioral effects from baseline. Since the timeframe of the analysis included the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse, we also highlight the correlation between a partial solar eclipse and the number of CG events.

#Names of astronomical phenomena code#

Methods: This relationship is presented as the average number of restraints or seclusions (R&S) and code green psychiatric emergencies (CG) recorded 14 days before and 14 days after a full moon. Objective: Our study evaluates the potential psychiatric impact of the full phase of the moon on patients in a state psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, New York, between September 2013 and July 2018.