Shedding Light on the Potential Implications of Solar Eclipse on Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Astronomical phenomena have been purported to impact human behavior throughout history. Though literature regarding the potential influence of lunar phases on emotional status exists, reputable evidence based information detailing the impact of solar eclipses on psychiatric conditions is lacking. Our case study evaluates the potential psychiatric impact on patients in a state psychiatric hospital in Buffalo, NY that occurred on August 21st, 2017. Our case study reports that although the lowest count of restraint and seclusion events, as measured by evaluation of previously collected, de-identified and analyzed routine facility performance improvement data, occured during the month of the solar eclipse which took place on August 21st 2017 when compared to any date within the previous 6 years, one patient experienced significant and unexpected psychiatric exacerbation. On April 28, 2024, another total solar eclipse will cross the United States. As Buffalo falls within the path of totality, this event would be an excellent opportunity for further analysis of these findings.