Sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne

Sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne
Objawy

Sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne (SAD) to specyficzny typ dużego zaburzenia depresyjnego z cechami sezonowymi, charakteryzujący się występowaniem objawów depresyjnych w określonych porach roku, najczęściej w okresie od października/listopada do marca/kwietnia (około 40% roku). SAD dotyka około 5% populacji, z przewagą kobiet (3:1) i zwykle rozpoczyna się w wieku 18-30 lat. Objawy zimowego wzorca SAD obejmują hipersomnię, zwiększony apetyt na węglowodany, przyrost masy ciała, uczucie ciężkości kończyn, wycofanie społeczne i obniżone libido, natomiast letni wzorzec (około 10% przypadków) manifestuje się bezsennością, utratą apetytu, pobudzeniem i agresją. Diagnostyka wymaga potwierdzenia epizodów depresyjnych w określonych porach roku przez co najmniej dwa kolejne lata, z wykluczeniem innych przyczyn sezonowych zmian nastroju. Patogeneza SAD wiąże się z dysregulacją serotoniny i melatoniny oraz niedoborem witaminy D, co prowadzi do zaburzeń rytmu dobowego i nasilenia objawów depresyjnych.

Czym jest sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne (SAD)?

Sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne (SAD) jest typem depresji, która pojawia się i ustępuje w określonych porach roku. Według Amerykańskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego, SAD klasyfikuje się oficjalnie jako duże zaburzenie depresyjne z cechami sezonowymi.¹ U większości osób z SAD objawy pojawiają się późną jesienią lub wczesną zimą i ustępują w cieplejszych miesiącach wiosennych i letnich.² Rzadziej występuje wzorzec letni, gdzie objawy pojawiają się wiosną lub latem i ustępują jesienią lub zimą.³

SAD dotyka około 5% populacji ogólnej, przy czym jest bardziej powszechne wśród kobiet niż mężczyzn, z proporcją 3:1.⁴⁵ Zazwyczaj SAD rozpoczyna się u młodych dorosłych w wieku 18-30 lat.⁶ Choroba zwykle trwa około 40% roku, co dla większości osób oznacza okres od października lub listopada do marca lub kwietnia.⁷

Ogólne objawy sezonowego zaburzenia afektywnego

Objawy SAD są podobne do objawów dużej depresji, ale różnią się cyklicznością sezonową. Pacjenci z SAD doświadczają zmian nastroju i innych symptomów tylko w określonych miesiącach roku.⁸ Objawy mogą być łagodne u niektórych osób, podczas gdy u innych mogą być poważne i znacząco wpływać na codzienne funkcjonowanie.⁹

Ogólne objawy SAD obejmują:

Utrzymujący się smutny, niespokojny lub pusty nastrój przez większość dnia, prawie codziennie, przez co najmniej 2 tygodnie¹⁰
Utrata zainteresowania lub przyjemności z wcześniej lubianych aktywności¹¹
Zmniejszona energia, uczucie zmęczenia lub spowolnienia¹²
Problemy ze snem – nadmierne wysypianie się lub trudności z zasypianiem¹³
Zmiany w apetycie lub nieplanowana zmiana wagi¹⁴
Trudności z koncentracją, zapamiętywaniem lub podejmowaniem decyzji¹⁵
Uczucie bezwartościowości, beznadziejności lub bezradności¹⁶
Drażliwość, frustracja lub niepokój¹⁷
Wycofanie społeczne i zwiększona wrażliwość na odrzucenie¹⁸
Fizyczne bóle, bóle głowy, skurcze lub problemy trawienne bez wyraźnej przyczyny fizycznej¹⁹
Myśli o śmierci lub samobójstwie²⁰

Objawy SAD w okresie zimowym

Najczęściej występujący wzorzec SAD związany jest z miesiącami jesiennymi i zimowymi. Objawy zwykle pojawiają się w październiku lub listopadzie, nasilają się pod koniec czasu zmiany czasu na zimowy, a następnie wyraźnie pogarszają się w listopadzie. Styczeń i luty są zazwyczaj miesiącami z najcięższymi objawami depresji.²¹

Charakterystyczne objawy zimowego SAD obejmują:

Nadmierne wysypianie się (hipersomnia) – trudności z wstawaniem rano pomimo długiego snu²²²³
Zwiększony apetyt, szczególnie na produkty bogate w węglowodany²⁴
Przyrost wagi związany z przejadaniem się²⁵
Uczucie ciężkości w kończynach (ramionach i nogach)²⁶
Wycofanie społeczne (uczucie jak podczas hibernacji)²⁷
Zmniejszone libido²⁸

Objawy zimowego SAD można opisać jako przypominające hibernację – osoby chore wycofują się, przesypiają, jedzą więcej i mają obniżoną energię.²⁹

Objawy SAD w okresie letnim

Letni wzorzec SAD (depresja letnia) jest znacznie rzadszy i charakteryzuje się objawami pojawiającymi się wiosną lub wczesnym latem i ustępującymi jesienią lub zimą.³⁰ Około 10% osób z SAD doświadcza tego odwrotnego wzorca sezonowego.³¹

Specyficzne objawy letniego SAD obejmują:

Bezsenność (trudności z zasypianiem)³²
Obniżony apetyt prowadzący do utraty wagi³³
Pobudzenie i niepokój³⁴
Zwiększona drażliwość³⁵
Agresywne lub gwałtowne zachowanie³⁶

Podczas gdy zimowy SAD charakteryzuje się nadmiernym snem i jedzeniem, letni SAD często przejawia się objawami przeciwnymi – bezsennością, utratą apetytu i wzrostem pobudzenia.³⁷

Przebieg i dynamika SAD

Sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne charakteryzuje się przewidywalnym pojawianiem się i ustępowaniem objawów w określonych porach roku.³⁸ Aby zdiagnozować SAD, objawy muszą występować podczas określonych pór roku (zima lub lato) przez co najmniej 2 kolejne lata, chociaż nie wszystkie osoby z SAD doświadczają objawów każdego roku.³⁹

Rozwój objawów w czasie

Typowy przebieg SAD związanego z zimą wygląda następująco:

Wczesna jesień (wrzesień) – początek delikatnych objawów⁴⁰
Późna jesień (październik/listopad) – wyraźny rozwój objawów, szczególnie po zmianie czasu na zimowy⁴¹
Zima (grudzień-luty) – najcięższy okres objawów, ze szczytem w styczniu i lutym⁴²⁴³
Wczesna wiosna (marzec/kwiecień) – szybka poprawa objawów, często w ciągu kilku tygodni⁴⁴

Objawy zwykle zaczynają się łagodnie jesienią, gdy dni stają się krótsze, i stopniowo nasilają się wraz z postępem sezonu.⁴⁵ W rzadkich przypadkach, gdy wiosna nadchodzi, nastrój może zmieniać się z depresji w nienormalnie wysoki i podniesiony (mania lub hipomania).⁴⁶

Nasilenie i zmienność objawów

Nasilenie objawów SAD może się znacznie różnić między osobami i sezonami:⁴⁷

Zmienność codzienna – objawy mogą poprawiać się w słoneczne dni nawet w środku zimy⁴⁸
Zmienność roczna – 30-50% osób z SAD nie wykazuje objawów w kolejnych zimach⁴⁹
Długoterminowa dynamika – u około 40% osób z SAD epizody depresyjne mogą utrzymywać się po zimie i nie ustępować latem, prowadząc do zmiany diagnozy na duże zaburzenie depresyjne lub zaburzenie dwubiegunowe⁵⁰
Długoterminowa remisja – u około 2 na 10 osób z SAD choroba całkowicie ustępuje po kilku latach i leczenie nie jest już potrzebne⁵¹

Przeciętnie SAD trwa około pięciu miesięcy w roku.⁵² Należy jednak zauważyć, że u niektórych osób objawy mogą być obecne przez 40% roku.⁵³

Mechanizmy fizjologiczne leżące u podstaw SAD

Chociaż dokładna przyczyna SAD nie jest w pełni zrozumiana, kilka czynników fizjologicznych odgrywa kluczową rolę w patogenezie tego zaburzenia:

Zmiany w neurotransmiterach

Badania wskazują, że osoby z SAD, szczególnie z zimowym wzorcem, mają obniżony poziom serotoniny w mózgu, która pomaga regulować nastrój.⁵⁴ Niedobór witaminy D może nasilać te problemy u osób z zimowym wzorcem SAD, ponieważ uważa się, że witamina D promuje aktywność serotoniny.⁵⁵

Zaburzenia rytmu dobowego

Zarówno serotonina, jak i melatonina pomagają utrzymać dobowy rytm organizmu powiązany z sezonowym cyklem dzień-noc. U osób z SAD zmiany w serotoninie i melatoninie zakłócają normalne rytmy dobowe.⁵⁶ Jedna z teorii sugeruje, że brak światła w miesiącach zimowych wpływa na nastrój, sen i apetyt, wpływając na samopoczucie.⁵⁷

Melatonina, hormon związany z sennością, również może być powiązana z SAD. Krótsze dni i mniej światła słonecznego mogą prowadzić do zwiększonej produkcji melatoniny, powodując nadmierną senność i objawy depresyjne.⁵⁸

Powikłania nieleczonego SAD

Nieleczone sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, które mogą znacząco wpłynąć na jakość życia osoby chorej. Należy traktować objawy SAD poważnie, ponieważ tak jak w przypadku innych typów depresji, SAD może się pogarszać i prowadzić do problemów, jeśli nie jest leczone.⁵⁹

Potencjalne powikłania nieleczonego SAD obejmują:

Wycofanie społeczne – unikanie kontaktów towarzyskich i izolacja⁶⁰
Problemy w szkole lub pracy – trudności z koncentracją wpływające na wydajność⁶¹
Nadużywanie substancji – alkohol lub narkotyki jako forma samoleczenia⁶²
Inne zaburzenia psychiczne – rozwój lęku, zaburzeń odżywiania lub innych problemów zdrowia psychicznego⁶³⁶⁴
Myśli lub zachowania samobójcze – w najcięższych przypadkach⁶⁵
Hospitalizacja – ciężkie epizody SAD mogą wymagać leczenia szpitalnego⁶⁶

W niektórych przypadkach SAD istnieje potencjalne ryzyko samobójstwa. Jedno z badań wskazuje, że 6-35% osób z tym schorzeniem wymagało hospitalizacji w okresie choroby.⁶⁷

Diagnoza SAD

Diagnoza sezonowego zaburzenia afektywnego może być trudna, ponieważ wiele innych typów depresji ma podobne objawy.⁶⁸ SAD często jest trudno zdiagnozować, ponieważ może minąć kilka lat, zanim pacjent i lekarz zauważą, że objawy tworzą regularny wzorzec.⁶⁹

Kryteria diagnostyczne SAD obejmują:

Objawy dużej depresji⁷⁰
Epizody depresyjne występujące w określonych porach roku przez co najmniej dwa kolejne lata⁷¹⁷²
Częstsze epizody depresyjne podczas określonej pory roku niż w pozostałej części roku⁷³
Brak innych przyczyn sezonowych zmian nastroju⁷⁴

Diagnoza może być utrudniona, gdyż SAD może naśladować inne schorzenia, takie jak zespół przewlekłego zmęczenia, niedoczynność tarczycy, niski poziom cukru we krwi, choroby wirusowe lub inne zaburzenia nastroju.⁷⁵

Łagodniejsze formy SAD

Nie wszystkie przypadki sezonowych zmian nastroju spełniają pełne kryteria diagnostyczne SAD. Istnieją również łagodniejsze formy tej choroby:

Subsyndromalne zaburzenie sezonowe (s-SAD)

Subsyndromalne sezonowe zaburzenie afektywne (s-SAD lub SSAD) jest łagodniejszą formą SAD, której doświadcza około 14,3% populacji USA (w porównaniu do 6,1% z pełnoobjawowym SAD).⁷⁶ Osoby z s-SAD doświadczają objawów, które nie są wystarczająco poważne, aby spełnić kryteria pełnego SAD, ale nadal wpływają na ich funkcjonowanie.

Zimowe przygnębienie (winter blues)

Osoby dotknięte tzw. „zimowym przygnębieniem” mogą nie czuć się wystarczająco źle, aby szukać pomocy medycznej, ale odczuwają mniejszą radość jesienią i zimą.⁷⁷ Ten stan może sprawić, że osoby czują się mniej radosne, energiczne, kreatywne i produktywne podczas ciemnych, zimowych dni niż w innych porach roku.⁷⁸

Zarówno osoby z s-SAD, jak i z zimowym przygnębieniem, mogą złagodzić objawy poprzez ćwiczenia i zwiększoną aktywność na świeżym powietrzu, szczególnie w słoneczne dni, co skutkuje zwiększoną ekspozycją na światło słoneczne.⁷⁹

Rozpoznawanie objawów SAD

Jeśli regularnie odczuwasz depresję i masz trudności ze snem w określonych porach roku, szczególnie zimą, możesz doświadczać SAD.⁸⁰ Wczesne rozpoznanie objawów i szukanie pomocy są kluczowe dla skutecznego leczenia.

Kiedy należy szukać pomocy:

Utrzymujące się objawy – jeśli zauważasz, że czujesz się przygnębiony i senniejszy, a objawy SAD utrzymują się dłużej niż dwa tygodnie⁸¹
Wpływ na codzienne życie – jeśli objawy znacząco wpływają na twoje codzienne funkcjonowanie⁸²
Myśli samobójcze – natychmiast szukaj pomocy, jeśli doświadczasz myśli o samobójstwie lub samookaleczaniu⁸³
Przewidywanie nawrotu – osoby z historią SAD mogą skorzystać z rozpoczęcia leczenia przed jesienią (w przypadku zimowego SAD) lub wiosną (w przypadku letniego SAD), aby pomóc zapobiec lub zmniejszyć objawy depresji⁸⁴

Szybkie rozpoznanie objawów SAD może prowadzić do wcześniejszej interwencji i skuteczniejszego zarządzania objawami, poprawiając jakość życia w trudnych miesiącach zimowych.⁸⁵

Możliwe opcje leczenia SAD

Dostępne są skuteczne metody leczenia sezonowego zaburzenia afektywnego. Dzielą się one na cztery główne kategorie, które mogą być stosowane samodzielnie lub w połączeniu:⁸⁶

Terapia światłem

Terapia światłem jest jednym z pierwszych środków leczenia zimowego SAD.⁸⁷ Polega na siedzeniu przed lampą emitującą bardzo jasne światło (z filtracją szkodliwych promieni UV).⁸⁸ Według dr. Michaela Termana, kierownika Programu Depresji Zimowej na Uniwersytecie Columbia-Presbyterian, w Stanach Zjednoczonych uznaje się, że terapia jasnym światłem po przebudzeniu, wykorzystująca szerokopasmowe białe źródło światła o natężeniu 10 000 luksów, jest interwencją pierwszego rzędu.⁸⁹

Terapia światłem zazwyczaj zaczyna działać w ciągu kilku dni do kilku tygodni i powoduje bardzo niewiele skutków ubocznych.⁹⁰ Większość osób, które uznają terapię światłem za skuteczną, odczuwają poprawę bardzo szybko, zwykle w ciągu kilku tygodni.⁹¹

Psychoterapia

Terapia poznawczo-behawioralna (CBT) może być skutecznym leczeniem SAD, szczególnie jeśli jest stosowana w połączeniu z terapią światłem i lekami.⁹² CBT pomaga zidentyfikować i zmienić negatywne myśli i zachowania, które mogą przyczyniać się do objawów depresyjnych.⁹³

Leki przeciwdepresyjne

Niektóre osoby z SAD mogą korzystać z leczenia antydepresantami, szczególnie jeśli objawy są poważne.⁹⁴ Bupropion XL (bupropion hydrochloride) jest zatwierdzony przez FDA specjalnie do zapobiegania dużym epizodom depresyjnym u osób z SAD.⁹⁵ Lekarz może zalecić rozpoczęcie leczenia antydepresantem przed typowym początkiem objawów każdego roku.⁹⁶

Suplementacja witaminą D

Ponieważ wiele osób z zimowym wzorcem SAD ma niedobór witaminy D, suplementy witaminy D mogą pomóc w poprawie objawów. Jednak badania testujące witaminę D jako leczenie SAD dały mieszane wyniki, niektóre badania wskazują, że jest tak skuteczna jak terapia światłem, a inne nie wykazują żadnego efektu.⁹⁷

Warto zaznaczyć, że terapia światłem i witamina D są leczeniem głównie zimowego wzorca SAD, podczas gdy psychoterapia i leki przeciwdepresyjne są stosowane do leczenia depresji ogólnie, w tym zarówno zimowego, jak i letniego wzorca SAD.⁹⁸

Rokowanie

Rokowanie dla osób z sezonowym zaburzeniem afektywnym jest generalnie pozytywne. Przy odpowiednim rozpoznaniu i odpowiednio dobranej kombinacji metod leczenia, osoby z SAD mogą uzyskać znaczną ulgę w objawach.⁹⁹

Ważne punkty dotyczące rokowania:

Skuteczność leczenia – dostępne leczenie, takie jak terapia światłem, psychoterapia i leki, może skutecznie łagodzić objawy SAD¹⁰⁰
Krótkoterminowe efekty – terapia światłem daje krótkoterminowe rezultaty, może pomóc złagodzić obecne objawy, ale nadal możesz być dotknięty SAD następnej zimy¹⁰¹
Długoterminowe perspektywy – u około 20% osób z SAD choroba całkowicie ustępuje po kilku latach¹⁰²
Potrzeba kontynuacji leczenia – dla większości osób z SAD objawy będą nadal pojawiać się sezonowo, wymagając kontynuacji leczenia¹⁰³

Przy odpowiednim leczeniu i samoopiece, większość osób z SAD może prowadzić pełne i aktywne życie, mimo sezonowego charakteru ich choroby. Kluczowe jest wczesne rozpoznanie objawów i szukanie profesjonalnej pomocy.¹⁰⁴

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the late fall or early winter before ending in the sunnier days of spring. […] Symptoms include feelings of sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, oversleeping and weight gain. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. The American Psychiatric Association officially classifies SAD as major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. So if you have seasonal affective disorder, you may experience mood changes and symptoms of depression, including: Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common in people between 18 and 30 and women.
#2 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months. […] In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.
#3 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Many people feel „down” or have the „winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. […] If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). […] In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. Summer-pattern SAD is less common. […] SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 45 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD.
#4 Seasonal Affective Disorder
https://www.addictioncenter.com/dual-diagnosis/seasonal-affective-disorder/
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common mental health condition similar to major depressive disorder. Unlike major depressive disorder, SAD only occurs during specific times of the year, typically the winter months. […] As the days become shorter and temperatures continue to drop, many people begin to experience noticeable changes in their mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. If these changes occur every year around the same time, typically around fall or winter, a possible explanation may be seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition more commonly known as seasonal depression. […] For most people, SAD occurs during the colder months of the year, typically starting around fall or winter, and lasting until late spring to summer. […] Symptoms of SAD typically last about 40% of the year, which, for most people, runs between October or November to March or April. In all cases, the symptoms of SAD are not present during other seasons and will begin with the changing of the seasons.
#5 Psychiatry.org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. […] People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. […] SAD is more than just winter blues. The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. […] Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, even with too much sleep, and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. […] SAD may begin at any age, but it typically starts when a person is between ages 18 and 30. […] SAD can be effectively treated in several ways, including light therapy, antidepressant medications, talk therapy or some combination of these.
#6 Symptoms and treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Chronic Disease
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/is_this_the_beginning_of_a_long_sad_winter
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a serious condition that occurs during a certain time of the year, usually in the fall or winter when the days become shorter, and temperatures are lower. […] Common symptoms of SAD are the same as other depressive disorders. Symptoms include persistent sadness, anxiety, lack of energy, lack of pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, sleep problems, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and craving carbohydrates, which could lead to fluctuations in weight. […] SAD is more commonly diagnosed in women than men and affects more young people than older adults, with the age of onset typically in early adulthood. […] SAD is a serious form of depression that can impact the way one feels, thinks, connects with others and takes care of themself. If you have questions about symptoms experienced, talk to a professional. Identifying if you are feeling winter blues or SAD symptoms can help you in next steps for professional or self-care.
#7 Seasonal Affective Disorder
https://www.addictioncenter.com/dual-diagnosis/seasonal-affective-disorder/
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common mental health condition similar to major depressive disorder. Unlike major depressive disorder, SAD only occurs during specific times of the year, typically the winter months. […] As the days become shorter and temperatures continue to drop, many people begin to experience noticeable changes in their mood, appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. If these changes occur every year around the same time, typically around fall or winter, a possible explanation may be seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition more commonly known as seasonal depression. […] For most people, SAD occurs during the colder months of the year, typically starting around fall or winter, and lasting until late spring to summer. […] Symptoms of SAD typically last about 40% of the year, which, for most people, runs between October or November to March or April. In all cases, the symptoms of SAD are not present during other seasons and will begin with the changing of the seasons.
#8 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Many people feel „down” or have the „winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. […] If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). […] In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. Summer-pattern SAD is less common. […] SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 45 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD.
#9 Symptoms – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are similar to those of normal depression, but they occur repetitively at a particular time of year. […] They usually start in the autumn or winter and improve in the spring. […] The nature and severity of SAD varies from person to person. For some, it may be mild while for others it can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day life. […] In addition to symptoms of depression, you may also: be less active than normal, feel lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day, sleep for longer than normal and find it hard to get up in the morning, find it difficult to concentrate, have an increased appetite some people have a particular craving for foods containing lots of carbohydrates and end up gaining weight as a result. […] These symptoms may make everyday activities increasingly difficult.
#10 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#11 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#12 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#13 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#14 All about seasonal affective disorder – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-more
During certain seasons of the year, you may notice changes in your energy level, sleep and interest in activities. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Symptoms typically appear in the fall, continue through the winter months and eventually go away in the spring or summer. […] SAD symptoms are severe enough to make it difficult to function in social, work and home environments. […] On average, SAD will last about five months of the year. Typically, symptoms will develop in October and worsen around the end of daylight saving time, followed by a more drastic decline in November. January and February tend to be the months with the most severe symptoms of depression. […] Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to watch for include: Difficulty concentrating, Feeling persistently tired and fatigued, including feeling a loss of energy nearly every day of the affected months, Feelings of worthlessness, Losing interest in things you would typically enjoy, such as hobbies and social activities, Persistently feeling down or sad, Sleep disturbances, which could include hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), Thoughts of suicide, Weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss.
#15 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#16 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#17 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#18 Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD
https://healthlibrary.bvhealthsystem.org/Library/DiseasesConditions/Adult/MentalHealth/85,P00755
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. […] Symptoms of depression begin in the late fall to early winter months. They ease during the summer months. […] These are the most common symptoms of SAD: Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed, Social withdrawal and increased sensitivity to rejection, Grouchiness and anxiety, Feelings of guilt and hopelessness, Excessive tiredness (fatigue), Decreased sex drive, Decreased ability to focus, Trouble thinking clearly, Increased appetite, especially for sweets and carbohydrates, Weight gain, Physical problems, such as headaches. […] Symptoms tend to come back and then improve at about the same times every year.
#19 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#20 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#21 All about seasonal affective disorder – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-more
During certain seasons of the year, you may notice changes in your energy level, sleep and interest in activities. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Symptoms typically appear in the fall, continue through the winter months and eventually go away in the spring or summer. […] SAD symptoms are severe enough to make it difficult to function in social, work and home environments. […] On average, SAD will last about five months of the year. Typically, symptoms will develop in October and worsen around the end of daylight saving time, followed by a more drastic decline in November. January and February tend to be the months with the most severe symptoms of depression. […] Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to watch for include: Difficulty concentrating, Feeling persistently tired and fatigued, including feeling a loss of energy nearly every day of the affected months, Feelings of worthlessness, Losing interest in things you would typically enjoy, such as hobbies and social activities, Persistently feeling down or sad, Sleep disturbances, which could include hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), Thoughts of suicide, Weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss.
#22 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#23 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#24 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#25 Psychiatry.org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. […] People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. […] SAD is more than just winter blues. The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. […] Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, even with too much sleep, and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. […] SAD may begin at any age, but it typically starts when a person is between ages 18 and 30. […] SAD can be effectively treated in several ways, including light therapy, antidepressant medications, talk therapy or some combination of these.
#26 Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-1065408
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that is characterized by symptoms that occur at the same time each year, usually during the darker, shorter days of fall and winter. While this condition usually resolves within a few months, it can have a serious impact on how a person feels and functions. […] The symptoms of SAD occur cyclically with a return of symptoms each year during the winter months. Symptoms can include: Depression, Fatigue, Social withdrawal, Increased sleep, Increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings, Weight gain, Irritability, Interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity), A heavy, leaden feeling in the arms or legs. […] During the shorter days of winter, when people may rise before dawn or not leave their offices until after sunset, these normal rhythms may become disrupted, producing the symptoms of SAD.
#27 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Symptoms of depression can include: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks; Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness; Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down; Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes; Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment; Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. […] For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Oversleeping (hypersomnia); Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like hibernating).
#28 Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD
https://healthlibrary.bvhealthsystem.org/Library/DiseasesConditions/Adult/MentalHealth/85,P00755
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. […] Symptoms of depression begin in the late fall to early winter months. They ease during the summer months. […] These are the most common symptoms of SAD: Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed, Social withdrawal and increased sensitivity to rejection, Grouchiness and anxiety, Feelings of guilt and hopelessness, Excessive tiredness (fatigue), Decreased sex drive, Decreased ability to focus, Trouble thinking clearly, Increased appetite, especially for sweets and carbohydrates, Weight gain, Physical problems, such as headaches. […] Symptoms tend to come back and then improve at about the same times every year.
#29
https://childrens.wvumedicine.org/blog/are-you-s-a-d-what-to-know-about-the-winter-blues-depression-and-seasonal-affecti
Are you S.A.D.? What to Know About the Winter Blues, Depression, and Seasonal Affective Disorder […] It can be helpful to know the difference between signs of the winter blues, depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and how we can intervene. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) refers to a subtype of depression (as described above) which displays a recurring seasonal pattern, typically during colder months. […] SAD can be described as looking like hibernation. […] While SAD can mirror the depressive symptoms described above, there are a few distinguishable symptoms. Individuals struggling with SAD tend to withdraw, oversleep, experience greater fatigue or loss of energy, and have an increased appetite. […] While many of us may feel more lethargic when experiencing the winter blues, a diagnosis of SAD requires symptoms to cause distress and impair functioning within home, work, school, social, or other settings.
#30 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#31 Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In about 10 percent of people with seasonal affective disorder, the condition has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and stopping during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep, unlike those with symptoms in the fall and winter. […] For those affected, it is estimated that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are present during 40 percent of the year. In some individuals, seasonal affective disorder does not recur every year. Thirty to 50 percent of affected individuals do not show symptoms of the disorder in consecutive winters. In about 40 percent of individuals with seasonal affective disorder, depressive episodes continue after winter and do not alleviate in the summer months, leading to a change in diagnosis to either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. […] Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to have another psychological condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
#32 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#33 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite, leading to weight loss; Restlessness and agitation; Anxiety; Violent or aggressive behavior. […] To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above; Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year; Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year. […] SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD.
#34 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite, leading to weight loss; Restlessness and agitation; Anxiety; Violent or aggressive behavior. […] To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above; Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year; Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year. […] SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD.
#35 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include: Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; Having low energy and feeling sluggish; Having problems with sleeping too much; Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; Having difficulty concentrating; Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; Having thoughts of not wanting to live. […] Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: Oversleeping; Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates; Weight gain; Tiredness or low energy. […] Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite; Weight loss; Agitation or anxiety; Increased irritability.
#36 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite, leading to weight loss; Restlessness and agitation; Anxiety; Violent or aggressive behavior. […] To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above; Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year; Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year. […] SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD.
#37 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/seasonal-affective-disorder
Some general seasonal affective disorder symptoms are as follows: […] – Feeling fatigued and lethargic despite getting plenty of sleep. […] – Finding it hard to get up in the morning. […] – Gaining weight as a result of overeating. […] – Losing interest in usual activities. […] – A persistent low mood. […] – Either difficulty in sitting still or extremely slow movements. […] – Having a hard time concentrating or making important decisions. […] – Feeling guilty or worthless. […] – Having thoughts of death or suicide. […] In most cases, seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter when there is less daylight. However, SAD can also occur at other times of the year. […] There is limited research into the seasonal differences of SAD. However, it has been suggested that symptoms may differ between summer and winter cases. In the winter months, individuals may experience excessive sleeping, increased appetite, cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, and weight gain. On the other hand, summer depression may present with symptoms such as insomnia and decreased appetite.
#38 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite, leading to weight loss; Restlessness and agitation; Anxiety; Violent or aggressive behavior. […] To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above; Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year; Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year. […] SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD.
#39 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: Trouble sleeping (insomnia); Poor appetite, leading to weight loss; Restlessness and agitation; Anxiety; Violent or aggressive behavior. […] To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above; Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year; Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year. […] SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winter-pattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD.
#40 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which occurs when you develop symptoms of depression only during the darker winter months each year. These symptoms then get better in spring. […] People with SAD start to develop symptoms of depression in September. These symptoms become worse as the hours of daylight become shorter and are at their most severe between November and January. Symptoms tend to improve and go fairly quickly in the spring, over a week or so. […] When symptoms develop in the winter, they are similar to those that occur in the non-seasonal ordinary type of depression. You may not have them all; however, several usually develop: Persistent low mood. Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you would normally enjoy. Decreased energy/lethargy. Increased sleep and difficulty waking in the morning due to circadian rhythm disruption. The circadian rhythm controls our sleep cycles. Increased appetite and weight gain. Withdrawal from friends or family. Irritability.
#41 All about seasonal affective disorder – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-more
During certain seasons of the year, you may notice changes in your energy level, sleep and interest in activities. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Symptoms typically appear in the fall, continue through the winter months and eventually go away in the spring or summer. […] SAD symptoms are severe enough to make it difficult to function in social, work and home environments. […] On average, SAD will last about five months of the year. Typically, symptoms will develop in October and worsen around the end of daylight saving time, followed by a more drastic decline in November. January and February tend to be the months with the most severe symptoms of depression. […] Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to watch for include: Difficulty concentrating, Feeling persistently tired and fatigued, including feeling a loss of energy nearly every day of the affected months, Feelings of worthlessness, Losing interest in things you would typically enjoy, such as hobbies and social activities, Persistently feeling down or sad, Sleep disturbances, which could include hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), Thoughts of suicide, Weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss.
#42 All about seasonal affective disorder – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-more
During certain seasons of the year, you may notice changes in your energy level, sleep and interest in activities. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Symptoms typically appear in the fall, continue through the winter months and eventually go away in the spring or summer. […] SAD symptoms are severe enough to make it difficult to function in social, work and home environments. […] On average, SAD will last about five months of the year. Typically, symptoms will develop in October and worsen around the end of daylight saving time, followed by a more drastic decline in November. January and February tend to be the months with the most severe symptoms of depression. […] Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to watch for include: Difficulty concentrating, Feeling persistently tired and fatigued, including feeling a loss of energy nearly every day of the affected months, Feelings of worthlessness, Losing interest in things you would typically enjoy, such as hobbies and social activities, Persistently feeling down or sad, Sleep disturbances, which could include hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), Thoughts of suicide, Weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss.
#43 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Brown & Brown
https://www.bbrown.com/us/insight/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
Seasonal affective disorder, known as SAD, is a form of depression in which mood changes usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight, and generally improve in spring. Typical signs of SAD include craving carbohydrates, sleeping more than usual and having little motivation. For people with SAD in the United States, the most difficult months are January and February. […] SAD is more than just âwinter blues.â The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. […] Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. SAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression, such as: […] SAD may begin at any age, but it typically starts when a person is between 18 and 30.
#44 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which occurs when you develop symptoms of depression only during the darker winter months each year. These symptoms then get better in spring. […] People with SAD start to develop symptoms of depression in September. These symptoms become worse as the hours of daylight become shorter and are at their most severe between November and January. Symptoms tend to improve and go fairly quickly in the spring, over a week or so. […] When symptoms develop in the winter, they are similar to those that occur in the non-seasonal ordinary type of depression. You may not have them all; however, several usually develop: Persistent low mood. Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you would normally enjoy. Decreased energy/lethargy. Increased sleep and difficulty waking in the morning due to circadian rhythm disruption. The circadian rhythm controls our sleep cycles. Increased appetite and weight gain. Withdrawal from friends or family. Irritability.
#45 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Symptoms, causes, and treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10306
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is now more commonly known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern. It is a type of depression that tends to affect people who live in countries farther from the equator. It is most common during the winter months and tends to resolve in springtime. […] People with SAD, or major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, experience symptoms of depression with gradually increasing frequency as days start getting shorter. These symptoms slowly improve in early spring, as the amount of sunlight increases. […] The symptoms of SAD are similar to those of depression. The major difference is that symptoms develop as winter approaches and resolve during springtime. […] Symptoms are usually mild as autumn advances and the hours of daylight start to decline. The severity, characteristics, and patterns of SAD can vary considerably from person to person.
#46 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
In rare cases people with SAD have a reduced appetite and weight loss. In a very small number of cases, as spring arrives the mood changes from depression into an abnormally high and elated mood (mania or hypomania). […] Many people find that bright light therapy helps to improve their symptoms of SAD. […] It is generally agreed by doctors that there is a good chance that light therapy can improve symptoms if you have SAD. […] Many people notice an improvement in symptoms within 3-4 days. If symptoms improve, they tend to stay improved so long as you keep on with treatment. […] In about 2 in 10 people with SAD, the condition goes away completely after a few years and treatment is then no longer needed. For the others, symptoms will often improve using the treatments discussed above.
#47 Symptoms – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are similar to those of normal depression, but they occur repetitively at a particular time of year. […] They usually start in the autumn or winter and improve in the spring. […] The nature and severity of SAD varies from person to person. For some, it may be mild while for others it can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day life. […] In addition to symptoms of depression, you may also: be less active than normal, feel lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day, sleep for longer than normal and find it hard to get up in the morning, find it difficult to concentrate, have an increased appetite some people have a particular craving for foods containing lots of carbohydrates and end up gaining weight as a result. […] These symptoms may make everyday activities increasingly difficult.
#48 What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and How to Cope with It
https://growtherapy.com/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatments/
Symptoms of SAD are parallel to many symptoms of major depression. The difference is that SAD symptoms are only present during certain times of the year in a seasonal pattern. […] Goldman points to several trademark signs of SAD being depressive symptoms, such as persistent low mood, fatigue, changes in sleep, and loss of interest in typically pleasurable activities. […] Additional SAD symptoms include: Excessive sleeping, Craving carbohydrates, Overeating and, in turn, weight gain, Having trouble concentrating, Feelings of guilt, Hopelessness or worthlessness, Suicidal thoughts. […] SAD is also highly individual. According to a 2024 study, symptoms can improve on sunny days during winter but may persist into the summer seasons too. For 50-70% of cases, individuals will experience recurring symptoms from one winter to the next. […] Fortunately, the seasonal pattern of depression does not tend to be a long-term phenomenon with less than half of individuals diagnosed with SAD recovering without episodes of major depression.
#49 Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In about 10 percent of people with seasonal affective disorder, the condition has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and stopping during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep, unlike those with symptoms in the fall and winter. […] For those affected, it is estimated that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are present during 40 percent of the year. In some individuals, seasonal affective disorder does not recur every year. Thirty to 50 percent of affected individuals do not show symptoms of the disorder in consecutive winters. In about 40 percent of individuals with seasonal affective disorder, depressive episodes continue after winter and do not alleviate in the summer months, leading to a change in diagnosis to either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. […] Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to have another psychological condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
#50 Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In about 10 percent of people with seasonal affective disorder, the condition has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and stopping during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep, unlike those with symptoms in the fall and winter. […] For those affected, it is estimated that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are present during 40 percent of the year. In some individuals, seasonal affective disorder does not recur every year. Thirty to 50 percent of affected individuals do not show symptoms of the disorder in consecutive winters. In about 40 percent of individuals with seasonal affective disorder, depressive episodes continue after winter and do not alleviate in the summer months, leading to a change in diagnosis to either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. […] Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to have another psychological condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
#51 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
In rare cases people with SAD have a reduced appetite and weight loss. In a very small number of cases, as spring arrives the mood changes from depression into an abnormally high and elated mood (mania or hypomania). […] Many people find that bright light therapy helps to improve their symptoms of SAD. […] It is generally agreed by doctors that there is a good chance that light therapy can improve symptoms if you have SAD. […] Many people notice an improvement in symptoms within 3-4 days. If symptoms improve, they tend to stay improved so long as you keep on with treatment. […] In about 2 in 10 people with SAD, the condition goes away completely after a few years and treatment is then no longer needed. For the others, symptoms will often improve using the treatments discussed above.
#52 All about seasonal affective disorder – Mayo Clinic Health System
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-more
During certain seasons of the year, you may notice changes in your energy level, sleep and interest in activities. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Symptoms typically appear in the fall, continue through the winter months and eventually go away in the spring or summer. […] SAD symptoms are severe enough to make it difficult to function in social, work and home environments. […] On average, SAD will last about five months of the year. Typically, symptoms will develop in October and worsen around the end of daylight saving time, followed by a more drastic decline in November. January and February tend to be the months with the most severe symptoms of depression. […] Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to watch for include: Difficulty concentrating, Feeling persistently tired and fatigued, including feeling a loss of energy nearly every day of the affected months, Feelings of worthlessness, Losing interest in things you would typically enjoy, such as hobbies and social activities, Persistently feeling down or sad, Sleep disturbances, which could include hypersomnia (sleeping too much) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), Thoughts of suicide, Weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss.
#53 Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In about 10 percent of people with seasonal affective disorder, the condition has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and stopping during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep, unlike those with symptoms in the fall and winter. […] For those affected, it is estimated that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are present during 40 percent of the year. In some individuals, seasonal affective disorder does not recur every year. Thirty to 50 percent of affected individuals do not show symptoms of the disorder in consecutive winters. In about 40 percent of individuals with seasonal affective disorder, depressive episodes continue after winter and do not alleviate in the summer months, leading to a change in diagnosis to either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. […] Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to have another psychological condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
#54 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. […] Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD because vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. […] Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain the body’s daily rhythm tied to the seasonal night-day cycle. In people with SAD, changes in serotonin and melatonin disrupt normal daily rhythms. […] Treatments are available to help people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that can be used alone or in combination: Light therapy; Psychotherapy; Antidepressant medication; Vitamin D. […] Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pattern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summer-pattern SAD.
#55 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. […] Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD because vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. […] Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain the body’s daily rhythm tied to the seasonal night-day cycle. In people with SAD, changes in serotonin and melatonin disrupt normal daily rhythms. […] Treatments are available to help people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that can be used alone or in combination: Light therapy; Psychotherapy; Antidepressant medication; Vitamin D. […] Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pattern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summer-pattern SAD.
#56 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. […] Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD because vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. […] Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain the body’s daily rhythm tied to the seasonal night-day cycle. In people with SAD, changes in serotonin and melatonin disrupt normal daily rhythms. […] Treatments are available to help people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that can be used alone or in combination: Light therapy; Psychotherapy; Antidepressant medication; Vitamin D. […] Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pattern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summer-pattern SAD.
#57 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | NHS inform
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
For many people, SAD can have a significant effect on their day-to-day life. […] The exact cause of SAD is unknown. The symptoms of depression are thought to be linked to less exposure to sunlight. […] One theory is that a lack of light in the winter months affects your mood, sleep and appetite, affecting how you feel. […] SAD is often difficult to diagnose because the there are many other types of depression that have similar symptoms. It may take several years before you and your GP realise that your symptoms are forming a regular pattern. […] A diagnosis of SAD will depend on whether: youâve had symptoms during the same seasons for 2 or more years in a row, your periods of depression are followed by periods without depression, there are any other reasons for your seasonal mood changes.
#58 Seasonal Depression – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
https://www.webmd.com/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder
One of the most effective ways to treat SAD that starts in fall or winter is with light. Some researchers link seasonal depression to the natural hormone melatonin, which causes drowsiness. Light affects our brain’s biological clock, which regulates the circadian rhythm a physiological process that can lead to mood changes in winter when there’s less sunlight. Natural or „full-spectrum” light can have an antidepressant effect. […] Many doctors recommend that people with SAD get outside early in the morning to get more natural light. If this is impossible because of the dark winter months, antidepressant medications or light therapy (phototherapy) may help. […] Seasonal features of depression are the patterns of symptoms that affect people with SAD at specific times of the year. Those with SAD that starts in winter tend to have tiredness, sadness, and lack of motivation. SAD that starts in spring or summer may bring insomnia and irritability.
#59 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#60 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#61 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#62 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#63 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#64 Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus GeneticsLock
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In about 10 percent of people with seasonal affective disorder, the condition has the opposite seasonal pattern, occurring in the spring and summer months and stopping during the fall and winter months. These individuals usually have a loss of appetite and sleep, unlike those with symptoms in the fall and winter. […] For those affected, it is estimated that symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are present during 40 percent of the year. In some individuals, seasonal affective disorder does not recur every year. Thirty to 50 percent of affected individuals do not show symptoms of the disorder in consecutive winters. In about 40 percent of individuals with seasonal affective disorder, depressive episodes continue after winter and do not alleviate in the summer months, leading to a change in diagnosis to either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. […] Individuals with seasonal affective disorder tend to have another psychological condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
#65 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it’s not treated. These can include: Social withdrawal; School or work problems; Substance abuse; Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders; Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
#66 Seasonal affective disorder – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder subset in which people who typically have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year. Common symptoms include sleeping too much, having little to no energy, and overeating. […] Symptoms of winter SAD often include falling asleep earlier or in less than 5 minutes in the evening, oversleeping or difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, and a tendency to overeat, often with a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. […] Although each individual case is different, in contrast to winter SAD, people who experience spring and summer depression may be more likely to show symptoms such as insomnia, decreased appetite and weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. […] The symptoms of it mimic those of Dysthymia or even major depressive disorder. There is also potential risk of suicide in some patients experiencing SAD. One study reports 635% of people with the condition required hospitalization during one period of illness.
#67 Seasonal affective disorder – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder subset in which people who typically have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year. Common symptoms include sleeping too much, having little to no energy, and overeating. […] Symptoms of winter SAD often include falling asleep earlier or in less than 5 minutes in the evening, oversleeping or difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, and a tendency to overeat, often with a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. […] Although each individual case is different, in contrast to winter SAD, people who experience spring and summer depression may be more likely to show symptoms such as insomnia, decreased appetite and weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. […] The symptoms of it mimic those of Dysthymia or even major depressive disorder. There is also potential risk of suicide in some patients experiencing SAD. One study reports 635% of people with the condition required hospitalization during one period of illness.
#68 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your health care provider or mental health professional to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. […] Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. […] Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. […] Some people with benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. […] Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. […] In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder: Make your environment sunnier and brighter.
#69 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | NHS inform
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
For many people, SAD can have a significant effect on their day-to-day life. […] The exact cause of SAD is unknown. The symptoms of depression are thought to be linked to less exposure to sunlight. […] One theory is that a lack of light in the winter months affects your mood, sleep and appetite, affecting how you feel. […] SAD is often difficult to diagnose because the there are many other types of depression that have similar symptoms. It may take several years before you and your GP realise that your symptoms are forming a regular pattern. […] A diagnosis of SAD will depend on whether: youâve had symptoms during the same seasons for 2 or more years in a row, your periods of depression are followed by periods without depression, there are any other reasons for your seasonal mood changes.
#70 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
Your provider may diagnose you with SAD if you have: Symptoms of major depression. Depressive episodes that occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years. Depressive episodes happening more frequently during a specific season than during the rest of the year. […] Your provider will talk to you about treatment options. You may need a combination of treatments, including: Light therapy: Bright light therapy, using a special lamp, can help treat SAD. […] If you have seasonal affective disorder, the outlook is positive. Treatments are available for SAD. People who get the right diagnosis and combination of treatments can find relief from symptoms. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms can include a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness.
#71 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
Your provider may diagnose you with SAD if you have: Symptoms of major depression. Depressive episodes that occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years. Depressive episodes happening more frequently during a specific season than during the rest of the year. […] Your provider will talk to you about treatment options. You may need a combination of treatments, including: Light therapy: Bright light therapy, using a special lamp, can help treat SAD. […] If you have seasonal affective disorder, the outlook is positive. Treatments are available for SAD. People who get the right diagnosis and combination of treatments can find relief from symptoms. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms can include a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness.
#72 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | NHS inform
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
For many people, SAD can have a significant effect on their day-to-day life. […] The exact cause of SAD is unknown. The symptoms of depression are thought to be linked to less exposure to sunlight. […] One theory is that a lack of light in the winter months affects your mood, sleep and appetite, affecting how you feel. […] SAD is often difficult to diagnose because the there are many other types of depression that have similar symptoms. It may take several years before you and your GP realise that your symptoms are forming a regular pattern. […] A diagnosis of SAD will depend on whether: youâve had symptoms during the same seasons for 2 or more years in a row, your periods of depression are followed by periods without depression, there are any other reasons for your seasonal mood changes.
#73 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
Your provider may diagnose you with SAD if you have: Symptoms of major depression. Depressive episodes that occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years. Depressive episodes happening more frequently during a specific season than during the rest of the year. […] Your provider will talk to you about treatment options. You may need a combination of treatments, including: Light therapy: Bright light therapy, using a special lamp, can help treat SAD. […] If you have seasonal affective disorder, the outlook is positive. Treatments are available for SAD. People who get the right diagnosis and combination of treatments can find relief from symptoms. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms can include a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness.
#74 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | NHS inform
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
For many people, SAD can have a significant effect on their day-to-day life. […] The exact cause of SAD is unknown. The symptoms of depression are thought to be linked to less exposure to sunlight. […] One theory is that a lack of light in the winter months affects your mood, sleep and appetite, affecting how you feel. […] SAD is often difficult to diagnose because the there are many other types of depression that have similar symptoms. It may take several years before you and your GP realise that your symptoms are forming a regular pattern. […] A diagnosis of SAD will depend on whether: youâve had symptoms during the same seasons for 2 or more years in a row, your periods of depression are followed by periods without depression, there are any other reasons for your seasonal mood changes.
#75 Seasonal Depression – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
https://www.webmd.com/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder
If you have SAD in fall and winter, you may: Experience fatigue or lack of energy, Oversleep, Notice changes in appetite, Crave for starchy foods, Stay home more and avoid socializing. […] If you have SAD in spring and summer, you might have: Anxiety, Irritability, Restlessness and trouble sleeping, Appetite loss, Weight loss, Aggressive behavior. […] The main feature of SAD is that your mood and behavior shift along with the calendar. It’s not a separate mood disorder but a type of major depression or bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression. […] Sometimes, it might take a while to diagnose SAD because it can mimic other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, underactive thyroid, low blood sugar, viral illnesses, or other mood disorders. […] Traditional antidepressants are often used to treat SAD. Bupropion XL is FDA-approved specifically to prevent major depressive episodes in people with SAD. But your doctor may suggest other medications.
#76 Seasonal affective disorder – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder
Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (s-SAD or SSAD) is a milder form of SAD experienced by an estimated 14.3% (vs. 6.1% SAD) of the U.S. population. […] The blue feeling experienced by both those with SAD and with SSAD can usually be dampened or extinguished by exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, resulting in increased solar exposure.
#77 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Winter Blues | Penn State Behrend
https://behrend.psu.edu/student-life/student-services/personal-counseling/student-resources/seasonal-affective-disorder
S.A.D. symptoms are most pronounced in January and February when the days are shortest. […] The reason is that the production of this hormone increases during darkness. So when the days are shorter and darker, it may affect your mood and behavior. […] Young people and women are at the highest risk for the disorder, but it can affect anyone. […] Those affected by S.A.D. may not feel bad enough to seek medical attention, but feel less cheerful in the fall and winter. […] If you think you may have S.A.D., discuss your symptoms with a doctor or mental health professional. […] You may be experiencing a lesser form of S.A.D., known as the winter blues. This condition can make you feel less cheerful, energetic, creative, and productive during the dark, winter days than at other times of the year.
#78 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Winter Blues | Penn State Behrend
https://behrend.psu.edu/student-life/student-services/personal-counseling/student-resources/seasonal-affective-disorder
S.A.D. symptoms are most pronounced in January and February when the days are shortest. […] The reason is that the production of this hormone increases during darkness. So when the days are shorter and darker, it may affect your mood and behavior. […] Young people and women are at the highest risk for the disorder, but it can affect anyone. […] Those affected by S.A.D. may not feel bad enough to seek medical attention, but feel less cheerful in the fall and winter. […] If you think you may have S.A.D., discuss your symptoms with a doctor or mental health professional. […] You may be experiencing a lesser form of S.A.D., known as the winter blues. This condition can make you feel less cheerful, energetic, creative, and productive during the dark, winter days than at other times of the year.
#79 Seasonal affective disorder – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder
Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (s-SAD or SSAD) is a milder form of SAD experienced by an estimated 14.3% (vs. 6.1% SAD) of the U.S. population. […] The blue feeling experienced by both those with SAD and with SSAD can usually be dampened or extinguished by exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, resulting in increased solar exposure.
#80 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and More
https://www.healthline.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder
If you regularly feel depressed and have difficulty sleeping during certain seasons, especially the winter, you may be experiencing SAD. […] Treatments like counseling, medications, and light therapy are often effective for reducing SAD symptoms. Increasing your exercise and natural light exposure may also help. […] If you have symptoms of SAD, talk with your doctor. They can work with you to create a treatment plan to best manage the condition.
#81 The Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Psychiatry
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-to-know-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/
If youre noticing that youre feeling down and sleepier, and youre having these symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, and they are lasting more than two weeks, you should reach out to your health care provider or therapist and let them know whats going on. […] Light therapy from a box that emits bright light, at the level of natural outdoor light shortly after sunrise is the primary, best-investigated, and most successful intervention. It is a home-based treatment, recommended to be done immediately upon getting out of bed. People who find the light box effective find it effective very quickly and will usually see an improvement within a few weeks.
#82 Coping with SAD: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in DC – Therapy Group of DC
https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/coping-with-sad-managing-seasonal-affective-disorder-in-dc/
Itâs essential to seek professional help if SAD symptoms are significantly impacting oneâs daily life. This is particularly vital if there are thoughts of harm or suicide. Mental health professionals can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can lead to more effective management of SAD, improving quality of life during the challenging winter months.
#83 Coping with SAD: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in DC – Therapy Group of DC
https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/coping-with-sad-managing-seasonal-affective-disorder-in-dc/
Itâs essential to seek professional help if SAD symptoms are significantly impacting oneâs daily life. This is particularly vital if there are thoughts of harm or suicide. Mental health professionals can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can lead to more effective management of SAD, improving quality of life during the challenging winter months.
#84 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Because many people with winter-pattern SAD have vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplements may help improve symptoms. However, studies testing vitamin D as a treatment for SAD have produced mixed results, with some studies indicating that it is as effective as light therapy and other studies finding no effect. […] Because the onset of SAD is so predictable, people with a history of the disorder might benefit from starting the treatments mentioned above before the fall (for winter-pattern SAD) or spring (for summer-pattern SAD) to help prevent or reduce depression symptoms.
#85 Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-1065408
Seasonal affective therapy responds well to treatment. The most commonly used treatments for SAD include light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. […] Light therapy using a device that gives off bright, white light is considered the best form of treatment for SAD at this time. […] According to Dr. Michael Terman, head of the Winter Depression Program at Columbia-Presbyterian University, the consensus in the United States is that post-awakening bright light therapy, using a broad-spectrum white light source at 10,000 lux, is the first-line intervention. […] On June 12, 2006, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) became the first drug approved specifically for SAD in the United States. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be an effective treatment for SAD, particularly if it is used in conjunction with light therapy and medication. […] Recognizing your tendency to experience seasonal depression can be helpful in aiding your treatment and coping. By knowing the signs, you’ll be able to reach out to your doctor and make lifestyle changes that may help you cope more effectively sooner.
#86 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. […] Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD because vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. […] Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain the body’s daily rhythm tied to the seasonal night-day cycle. In people with SAD, changes in serotonin and melatonin disrupt normal daily rhythms. […] Treatments are available to help people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that can be used alone or in combination: Light therapy; Psychotherapy; Antidepressant medication; Vitamin D. […] Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pattern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summer-pattern SAD.
#87 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your health care provider or mental health professional to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. […] Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. […] Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. […] Some people with benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. […] Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. […] In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder: Make your environment sunnier and brighter.
#88 Psychiatry.org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
Light therapy involves sitting in front of a light therapy box that emits a very bright light (and filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays). […] Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), can effectively treat SAD. […] If you feel you have symptoms of SAD, seek the help of a trained medical professional. […] With the right treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
#89 Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-1065408
Seasonal affective therapy responds well to treatment. The most commonly used treatments for SAD include light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. […] Light therapy using a device that gives off bright, white light is considered the best form of treatment for SAD at this time. […] According to Dr. Michael Terman, head of the Winter Depression Program at Columbia-Presbyterian University, the consensus in the United States is that post-awakening bright light therapy, using a broad-spectrum white light source at 10,000 lux, is the first-line intervention. […] On June 12, 2006, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) became the first drug approved specifically for SAD in the United States. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be an effective treatment for SAD, particularly if it is used in conjunction with light therapy and medication. […] Recognizing your tendency to experience seasonal depression can be helpful in aiding your treatment and coping. By knowing the signs, you’ll be able to reach out to your doctor and make lifestyle changes that may help you cope more effectively sooner.
#90 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your health care provider or mental health professional to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. […] Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. […] Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. […] Some people with benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. […] Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. […] In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder: Make your environment sunnier and brighter.
#91 The Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Psychiatry
https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-to-know-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/
If youre noticing that youre feeling down and sleepier, and youre having these symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, and they are lasting more than two weeks, you should reach out to your health care provider or therapist and let them know whats going on. […] Light therapy from a box that emits bright light, at the level of natural outdoor light shortly after sunrise is the primary, best-investigated, and most successful intervention. It is a home-based treatment, recommended to be done immediately upon getting out of bed. People who find the light box effective find it effective very quickly and will usually see an improvement within a few weeks.
#92 Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-1065408
Seasonal affective therapy responds well to treatment. The most commonly used treatments for SAD include light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. […] Light therapy using a device that gives off bright, white light is considered the best form of treatment for SAD at this time. […] According to Dr. Michael Terman, head of the Winter Depression Program at Columbia-Presbyterian University, the consensus in the United States is that post-awakening bright light therapy, using a broad-spectrum white light source at 10,000 lux, is the first-line intervention. […] On June 12, 2006, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) became the first drug approved specifically for SAD in the United States. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be an effective treatment for SAD, particularly if it is used in conjunction with light therapy and medication. […] Recognizing your tendency to experience seasonal depression can be helpful in aiding your treatment and coping. By knowing the signs, you’ll be able to reach out to your doctor and make lifestyle changes that may help you cope more effectively sooner.
#93 What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? – Child Mind Institute
https://childmind.org/article/seasonal-affective-disorder/
In terms of symptoms, seasonal affective disorder and depression are one and the same. […] Most people affected by SAD experience episodes of depression during the fall and winter, as the days get shorter in many parts of the world. […] The symptoms of SAD match those of other kinds of depression, including: Feeling unusually sad or irritable, even when thereâs no obvious reason; Losing interest in things that used to be enjoyable; Low energy levels; Changes in weight or eating habits; Sleeping too much or too little; Being very self-critical; Engaging in self-harming behaviors, like cutting; Feeling hopeless, worthless or numb; Thoughts of or attempts at suicide. […] A diagnosis is only made if several of these symptoms are present for at least two weeks. […] In many cases, the recommended treatment for seasonal affective disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
#94 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your health care provider or mental health professional to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. […] Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. […] Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. […] Some people with benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. […] Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. […] In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder: Make your environment sunnier and brighter.
#95 Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-1065408
Seasonal affective therapy responds well to treatment. The most commonly used treatments for SAD include light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy. […] Light therapy using a device that gives off bright, white light is considered the best form of treatment for SAD at this time. […] According to Dr. Michael Terman, head of the Winter Depression Program at Columbia-Presbyterian University, the consensus in the United States is that post-awakening bright light therapy, using a broad-spectrum white light source at 10,000 lux, is the first-line intervention. […] On June 12, 2006, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) became the first drug approved specifically for SAD in the United States. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be an effective treatment for SAD, particularly if it is used in conjunction with light therapy and medication. […] Recognizing your tendency to experience seasonal depression can be helpful in aiding your treatment and coping. By knowing the signs, you’ll be able to reach out to your doctor and make lifestyle changes that may help you cope more effectively sooner.
#96 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your health care provider or mental health professional to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. […] Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. […] Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. […] Some people with benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe. […] Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. […] In addition to your treatment plan for seasonal affective disorder: Make your environment sunnier and brighter.
#97 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Because many people with winter-pattern SAD have vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplements may help improve symptoms. However, studies testing vitamin D as a treatment for SAD have produced mixed results, with some studies indicating that it is as effective as light therapy and other studies finding no effect. […] Because the onset of SAD is so predictable, people with a history of the disorder might benefit from starting the treatments mentioned above before the fall (for winter-pattern SAD) or spring (for summer-pattern SAD) to help prevent or reduce depression symptoms.
#98 Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. […] Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD because vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. […] Both serotonin and melatonin help maintain the body’s daily rhythm tied to the seasonal night-day cycle. In people with SAD, changes in serotonin and melatonin disrupt normal daily rhythms. […] Treatments are available to help people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that can be used alone or in combination: Light therapy; Psychotherapy; Antidepressant medication; Vitamin D. […] Light therapy and vitamin D are treatments for winter-pattern SAD, whereas psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat depression in general, including winter- and summer-pattern SAD.
#99 Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
Your provider may diagnose you with SAD if you have: Symptoms of major depression. Depressive episodes that occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years. Depressive episodes happening more frequently during a specific season than during the rest of the year. […] Your provider will talk to you about treatment options. You may need a combination of treatments, including: Light therapy: Bright light therapy, using a special lamp, can help treat SAD. […] If you have seasonal affective disorder, the outlook is positive. Treatments are available for SAD. People who get the right diagnosis and combination of treatments can find relief from symptoms. […] Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms can include a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness.
#100 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and More
https://www.healthline.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder
If you regularly feel depressed and have difficulty sleeping during certain seasons, especially the winter, you may be experiencing SAD. […] Treatments like counseling, medications, and light therapy are often effective for reducing SAD symptoms. Increasing your exercise and natural light exposure may also help. […] If you have symptoms of SAD, talk with your doctor. They can work with you to create a treatment plan to best manage the condition.
#101 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | NHS inform
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
Your GP will recommend the most suitable treatment option for you. This may involve using a combination of treatments to get the best results. […] Light therapy simulates the sunlight thatâs missing during the darker winter months. […] However, thereâs mixed evidence about the effectiveness of light therapy. […] Light therapy produces short-term results. It may help to relieve your current symptoms, but you may still be affected by SAD next winter. […] Antidepressants are often only prescribed for SAD when the symptoms are severe. This is because thereâs limited evidence that theyâre effective. […] Itâs thought that they are most effective if theyâre taken at the start of winter (before the symptoms appear) and continued until spring.
#102 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
In rare cases people with SAD have a reduced appetite and weight loss. In a very small number of cases, as spring arrives the mood changes from depression into an abnormally high and elated mood (mania or hypomania). […] Many people find that bright light therapy helps to improve their symptoms of SAD. […] It is generally agreed by doctors that there is a good chance that light therapy can improve symptoms if you have SAD. […] Many people notice an improvement in symptoms within 3-4 days. If symptoms improve, they tend to stay improved so long as you keep on with treatment. […] In about 2 in 10 people with SAD, the condition goes away completely after a few years and treatment is then no longer needed. For the others, symptoms will often improve using the treatments discussed above.
#103 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment
https://patient.info/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-leaflet
In rare cases people with SAD have a reduced appetite and weight loss. In a very small number of cases, as spring arrives the mood changes from depression into an abnormally high and elated mood (mania or hypomania). […] Many people find that bright light therapy helps to improve their symptoms of SAD. […] It is generally agreed by doctors that there is a good chance that light therapy can improve symptoms if you have SAD. […] Many people notice an improvement in symptoms within 3-4 days. If symptoms improve, they tend to stay improved so long as you keep on with treatment. […] In about 2 in 10 people with SAD, the condition goes away completely after a few years and treatment is then no longer needed. For the others, symptoms will often improve using the treatments discussed above.
#104 Psychiatry.org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder
Light therapy involves sitting in front of a light therapy box that emits a very bright light (and filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays). […] Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), can effectively treat SAD. […] If you feel you have symptoms of SAD, seek the help of a trained medical professional. […] With the right treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.