Seasonal Affective Disorder: The Winter Blues Diagnosis

As the winter approaches and the days get shorter, some people experience a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)-an extreme case of the "winter blues" that is relieved during the spring and summer months.

For people with SAD, their bodies have a difficult time adjusting to the shortage of sunlight in the winter months. SAD symptoms are most pronounced in January and February, when the days are shortest.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Symptoms of depression occur regularly during the fall or winter months (changes in sleeping and eating habits; persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood; loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed).
• Depression subsides in the spring and summer months.
• Symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no non-seasonal depression episodes.
• Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber non-seasonal depression episodes.
• The individual craves sugary or starchy foods.

The further north you live, the more likely you are to get the disease, because it is related to day light. Climate, season and weather affect mood, in addition to latitude, storms, cloud cover, and how much time you spend indoors under artificial light for whatever reason.

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