Question

Which client statement reflects an understanding of the effect of circadian rhythms on psychopathology?

1) "When I dream about my mother's horrible train accident, I become hysterical."
2) "I get really irritable during my menstrual cycle."
3) "I'm a morning person. I get my best work done in the a.m."
4) "Every February, I tend to experience periods of sadness."

Answer 1

The client statement that reflects an understanding of circadian rhythms' effect on psychopathology is acknowledging seasonal periods of sadness, which can be related to circadian rhythms and seasonal affective disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that reflects an understanding of the effect of circadian rhythms on psychopathology is: "Every February, I tend to experience periods of sadness." This statement recognizes a seasonal pattern that can be associated with changes in light and potentially affect circadian rhythms, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year. Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms that occur over approximately 24 hours and are influenced by external environmental cues, predominantly light. Disruptions to these rhythms, such as during travel across time zones, working night shifts, or during seasonal changes, have been shown to affect sleep and mood and can result in conditions such as insomnia, jet lag, and seasonal affective disorder.