How common is seasonal affective disorder?

It’s relatively common, specifically in regions with long, dark winters, but its prevalence varies depending on location, population, and diagnostic criteria.

  1. General population

Around 1 –10 % of people experience clinical SAD (a diagnosable form of depression with seasonal patterns).

  1. Subsyndromal SAD (“winter blues”)

A milder form affects 10 – 20% of people, with symptoms that don’t meet full diagnostic criteria but still impact mood and energy.

  1. Women

Women are 4 times more likely than men to experience SAD.

  1. Young adults

Most common in people aged 18 – 30.

Geography matters a lot

Rates increase with distance from the equator due to decreased sunlight exposure in winter.

  1. Northern Europe and Canada

Up to 9–10% may experience SAD (e.g., parts of Scandinavia, Alaska, or Newfoundland).

  1. United States

SAD affects about:

    • 1% in Florida.
    • 9% in Alaska.
    • The national average is around 5%.
  1. Belgium

While exact national data is limited, studies in similar latitudes (like the Netherlands or Germany) suggest around 3–5% experience SAD, with a higher percentage experiencing milder winter blues.

Around 3–5% experience SAD, with a higher percentage experiencing milder winter blues.

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