SAD – More Common in Women than Men

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects men and women alike through out the winter season. However, with extensive research it has been acknowledged that women suffer from SAD more than men. Caused by over secretion of melatonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, SAD causes depression, lethargy and anxious feelings.

Along with the melatonin, living pattern and life style also play an important part in causing SAD. People who stay away from sunlight or exposure to sun during the winter days are more likely to suffer from SAD than people who stay outdoors and engage in activities. This is because of the natural and instinctive nature of human beings.

Women Suffer from SAD More Than Men

According to research, women suffer from SAD 3 to 4 times more than men. According to percentage ratings, it is known that around 70 to 80% of SAD cases occur in women, which is considerably high. Also, it is known that the most common onset of SAD occurs when a woman is in her 30’s.

In this regard, it would not be wrong to say that women suffer from SAD more than men. There have been several reasons for it as given by the therapists and health professionals:

1. Women stay indoors most of the time especially the housewives and girls who study at home. In contrast, men go out for work, meetings and other purposes.
2. Even women who work at offices, do not go out often on field work, men are more into such kind of jobs. As a result, even working women can suffer from SAD.
3. Gender difference has also been established as one of the reasons more women suffer from SAD. Women are more likely to feel lonely and sad as they are soft hearted and get affected by the weather changes. On the contrary, men are strong hearted and do not give much important to these things.

In addition to this, it is known that when there is one extreme case of SAD, there are many others with milder symptoms too.

The prevalence of SAD corresponds with latitude as well; SAD increases with the increase in the latitude. However, women in nearly all regions apparently suffer from SAD more than men. In addition it must be asserted that one may also feel an increase of decrease in SAD when shifting from one place to another; one may shift from a brightly lit apartment to another that is not as brightly lit and begin to experience SAD.