Incidence of SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a pretty straight forward disorder: When the days turn gray, you get down. So it stands to reason that those in the extreme northern and southern latitudes are more likely to encounter SAD, as well as it’s summer opposite, Hypomania, because of the more extreme seasonal changes in those climates.
The Irish, and those of the Nordic Countries, tend to have it the worst, along with Alaskans in the United States. (Noticing a trend?) The trend was first noticed in the 6th century by the Goth scholar Jodanes. Interestingly enough, the residents of Iceland do not experience SAD. It’s still unknown why, but studies point to genetics or a fish-heavy diet, which is rich in Vitamin D, although there is no proof that Vitamin D is a treatment for SADness.
A survey performed in the Netherlands showed that one in every ten suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the number is twice that in Ireland. The same Irish survey also suggested that women are more likely to suffer from SAD than men.
Many of those who endure Seasonal Affective Disorder also experience Major Depressive Disorder, or more commonly, “Clinical Depression.” As many as 20% of patients may go on to develop a Bi-Polar disorder. It is very important to note the difference between a manic episode and an improvement in mood due to the recovery from winter depression because the differences in treatment are vast.
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