Seasonal affective depressive disorder can affect adults, teens, and even children. It is estimated that about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. The number of people with SAD varies from region to region. One study of SAD in the United States found the rate of SAD was seven times higher among people in New Hampshire than in Florida. This further suggests the farther people live from the equator, the more likely they are to develop SAD. Some individuals who work long hours inside office buildings with few windows can also experience symptoms all year round.
SAD is also more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it typically does not begin in people young than 20 years old. For adults, the risk of SAD decreases as they get older.
If you are feeling symptoms of winter depression, we suggest you seek the advice of a skilled clinician.