Seasonal affective disorder

Alternative Names

Depression – winter, SAD

What is Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is depression that occurs due to seasons of the year. Some people develop late fall and winter depression. Some people are depressed only during the late spring and summer.

SAD commonly occurs in young adult women. Like all types of depression, SAD interferes with people’s lives.


Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of SAD may vary, depending on the type of SAD.

Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

  • depression
  • hopelessness
  • anxiety
  • loss of energy
  • heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
  • social withdrawal
  • oversleeping
  • loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
  • weight gain
  • difficulty concentrating

Summer-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

  • anxiety
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • irritability
  • agitation
  • weight loss
  • poor appetite
  • increased sex drive


Possible complications

Left untreated, SAD can cause the following complications:

  • suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • social withdrawal
  • school or work problems
  • substance abuse


What causes

The possible triggers of SAD include:

  • amount of light
  • body temperature
  • genes
  • hormones


Prevention

SAD is unpreventable.


Treatment

You should discuss with your doctor what kind of treatment is suitable for you. It is usually recommended to take the following measures:

  • spend at least 30 minutes outside every day
  • set a timer on a light to go on early in the morning in the bedroom
  • use a dawn simulator for a more naturalistic artificial dawn
  • take daily walks outside
  • increase indoor lighting with regular lamps and fixtures


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