SEASONALITY OF MOOD IN ITALY - ROLE OF LATITUDE AND SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS

A mail survey of degree of seasonal suffering was conducted in Italy u sing the SPAQ (Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionaire). Experiencing seasonal changes as a problem was reported by more than half of the 5 43 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 latitude s or of a significant influence of sociocultural factors.