What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression related to the changes in the seasons
- Usually starts in the fall and continues into the winter months; Occurs less often in the spring and early summer months
- Begins and ends about the same time every year
- May start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses
- Occurs more often in women than men and in younger adults than older adults
Symptoms
- Feeling depressed most of the day; nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having low energy
- Problems with sleeping
- Changes in your appetite or weight
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- Frequent thoughts of death of suicide
Specific fall and winter symptoms
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes, especially craving foods high in carbs
- Weight gain
- Tiredness or low energy
Specific spring and summer symptoms
- Trouble sleeping
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Agitation or anxiety
When to see a doctor
- It is normal to have some days when you feel down, but if you feel down for days at a time and cannot get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy.
- If your sleep patterns and appetite have changed; turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation; or feel helpless of think of suicide
Possible treatments
- Light therapy
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
