- General population
Around 1–10% of people experience clinical SAD (a diagnosable form of depression with seasonal patterns).
- 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.
- Women
Women are 4 times more likely than men to experience SAD.
- 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.
- Northern Europe and Canada
Up to 9–10% may experience SAD (e.g., parts of Scandinavia, Alaska, or Newfoundland)
- United States
SAD affects about:
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- 1% in Florida.
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- 9% in Alaska.
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- The national average is around 5%.
- 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.
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