Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may become depressed as winter sets in and daylight hours decrease.  Researchers theorize that the reduction in the amount of sunlight affects the balance of certain brain chemicals, leading to symptoms of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) afflicts about 5% of U.S. adults -- some 10 million Americans -- but an estimated 25% of the population experiences some form of winter blues. The farther north you live, the greater your risk.  Studies show that about 1- 3% of Floridians suffer from SAD.   Among Alaskans the figure is 10%. 

Other types of depression afflict many more women than men, and SAD is no exception. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that women with SAD outnumber men four to one. The condition also seems to run in families. 

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