Risk factors for SAD

Some of the risk factors for SAD include:

Living too far North or South of the equator:

If you live in areas that have long winter nights and less sunlight, you are more likely to experience SAD. For example, the condition is more common in places like Canada and Alaska and it's less often found where there's plenty of sunshine year-round, like Florida.

Family history:

SAD is more likely to run in families. People with a family history of SAD and other mental health conditions are at greater risk of developing the condition.

Being female:

SAD occurs more frequently in women than men. Women are diagnosed with the condition nearly four times as often as men

Younger age:

Although SAD can happen at any age, it most often begins in younger adults between ages 18 and 30. Children and teens have been diagnosed with the condition as well.

Depression or bipolar disorder:

People with other mental health conditions are more likely to experience SAD. Around 25 per cent of people with bipolar disorder and between 10 to 20 per cent of people with major depressive disorder also have SAD.

Did you know?

SAD is more common in women than in men, and typically begins around age 20.