SAD

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What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called Winter-Onset Depression. Symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and go away by summer. A much less common type of SAD, known as Summer-Onset Depression, usually begins in the late spring or early summer and goes away by winter. SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight during different times of the year.

How common is SAD?

As many as half a million people in the United States may have winter-onset depression. Another 10% to 20% may experience mild SAD. SAD is more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it usually doesn't start in people younger than 20 years of age. For adults, the risk of SAD decreases as they get older. Winter-onset SAD is more common in northern regions, where the winter season is typically longer and harsher.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

Although your symptoms are clues to the diagnosis, not everyone who has SAD experiences the same symptoms. Common symptoms of winter-onset SAD include the following:

• A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
• Weight gain
• A drop in energy level
• Fatigue
• A tendency to oversleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Avoidance of social situations and a loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy

Symptoms of summer-onset SAD include:

• A loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Irritability and anxiety
• Agitation

Either type of SAD may also include some of the symptoms that are present in other forms of depression. These symptoms include feelings of guilt, ongoing feelings of hopelessness and physical problems (such as headaches).

Symptoms of SAD keep coming back year after year. They also tend to come and go at about the same time every year. The most common treatments for SAD are light therapy and using a negative ionizer. For more information on SAD, or if you are experiencing feelings of dread or suicide, contact your doctor immediately.

Source: Familydoctor.org

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