"Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects about 5 percent of adults, and milder forms of 'winter blues' affect up to 20 percent of people. It is most common in higher latitudes, like New Hampshire, and less common in places like Florida."
"International studies have shown that while the prevalence rate for SAD is only about 3 percent in Saudi Arabia, it's 19-21 percent in places like Alaska and Norway that experience long periods of reduced sunlight."
"SAD is a psychological diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, but not as its own thing. Instead, SAD is listed as a subtype of major depressive or bipolar disorder."
"The symptoms for all of these diagnoses are similar: depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, decreased energy, increased need for sleep, weight gain, fatigue, difficulty waking, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from regular social activities."
The northeast United States has experienced a harsh winter with significant snowstorms and freezing temperatures, leading to increased cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD affects about 5% of adults, while milder winter blues impact up to 20%. The prevalence of SAD varies by location, with higher rates in areas like Alaska and Norway, where reduced sunlight is common. Symptoms of SAD align with major depressive or bipolar disorders, including depressed mood, fatigue, and social withdrawal, but are specifically linked to seasonal changes.
Read at Psychology Today
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