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 Questiona ires (SPAQ) were collected from four separate populations, all either assigned to Fort Wainwright, in Interior Alaska, or receiving treatmen t there. The study included both civilian and military personnel, of b oth genders, over 16 years of age, The mean score on the SPAQ was in t he low end of the range of sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder. Females scored significantly higher than males, the mean score approac hing that found in seasonal affective disorder. Active duty females sc ored higher than civilians, and were found to have symptoms severe eno ugh to qualify as true seasonal affective disorder in 10.9% of cases. The highest scores and highest rates of true seasonal affective disord er were found in a group of 25 Medical Activity (MEDDAC) female non-co mmissioned officers who were not in patient status.