National health observances
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is a clinical diagnosis that may explain why you feel blue in the winter.
Symptoms may include:
- Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness
- Irritability
- Fatigue or low energy level
- Decreased sex drive
- Diminished concentration
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Increased appetite, especially for sweets and carbohydrates, causing weight gain
The symptoms of SAD may resemble other psychiatric conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Who is affected by SAD?
According to the National Mental Health Disorders Association, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the adult population suffer from mild winter SAD, and nearly 5 percent suffer from a more severe form of the disorder. Women are four times more likely to be affected than men.
What causes SAD?
Decreased sunlight is thought to be part of the cause of SAD.
Treatment
As with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective.
page modified 09/23/2011