Seasonality of mood in Italy: role of latitude and sociocultural factors.

Abstract A mail survey of degree of seasonal suffering was conducted in Italy using the SPAQ (Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionaire). Experiencing seasonal changes as a problem was reported by more than half of the 543 responders. Both mean GSS (Global Seasonality Score) and circannual profile of ‘feeling worst’ yielded results similar to those reported in the USA at comparable latitudes. Global prevalences of SAD, Reverse-SAD and Sub-SAD were 4.4, 2.1 and 4.8%, respectively. Female sex and young age were associated with a higher degree of seasonal sensitivity. No clear evidence was found of higher sensitivity at higher latitudes or of a significant influence of sociocultural factors.