Hamsters seem to have seasonal affective disorder

The darkening days of fall and winter seem to bring on depression and anxiety in hamsters, just as they do for many humans, according to a new study.

"These results in hamsters may provide some insight into the development of seasonal affective disorders in humans," said Randy Nelson, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Ohio State University and co-author of the study. "They do suggest a relationship between season and symptoms of depression and anxiety."