SEASONAL SYMPTOMS IN THE SUB-ARCTIC

To obtain information regarding the frequency and severity of seasonal symptoms in the sub-Arctic, 361 Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionaires (SPAQ) were collected from four separate populations, all either assigned to Fort Wainwright, in Interior Alaska, or receiving treatment there. The study included both civilian and military personnel, of both genders, over 16 years of age, The mean score on the SPAQ was in the low end of the range of sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder. Females scored significantly higher than males, the mean score approaching that found in seasonal affective disorder. Active duty females scored higher than civilians, and were found to have symptoms severe enough to qualify as true seasonal affective disorder in 10.9% of cases. The highest scores and highest rates of true seasonal affective disorder were found in a group of 25 Medical Activity (MEDDAC) female non-commissioned officers who were not in patient status.