Abstract

Abstract Objectives Body rhythms have an impact on health. We explore the effect that regularity have on depression, anxiety and emotional intelligence. Methods Data from n = 8252 unique participants that completed the self reported Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (registration TX 7-398-022) was used. It measured depression, anxiety and emotional intelligence (EQ). The questionnaire of 85 questions included questions of demographics, and also the question “Do you sleep and eat meals on a regular schedule, and at approximately the same times each day?”. Data for the study included participants from 5 continents. The depression and anxiety level was based on the DSM-5 [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5] criteria. The depression was classified according to DSM-5 into 4 categories as none (0–6), mild (7–10), moderate (11–19) or severe (20 or more). Anxiety was classified as none (0–4), mild (5–8), moderate (9–12) and severe (13 or more). Results The group was divided among those that reported regularity and those that don't. Among the group that reported regularity they had n = 4900 participants, average age was 47.6 SD 17.4, the depression average was 7.74, SD 7.04. Anxiety average 4.2, SD 4.1, EQ average of 112.2, SD 17. The group that reported was irregular they had 3352 participants, average age was 43.2 SD 16.7, the depression average of that group was 13.5, SD 7.7. Anxiety average was 7.1, SD 4.5, EQ 100.5, SD 17.3. Conclusions It seems regularity habits have an effect on mental health and it seems to have also an effect on emotional intelligence. This should be further researched as a possible preventive and treatment intervention for mental health. Funding Sources Self funded.