Alternative Names
Depression – winter; SAD
Definition of Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) refers to episodes of depression that occur every year during fall or winter. Symptoms improve in spring and summer.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The disorder may begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually build up gradually in the late autumn and winter months.
Signs and tests
A visit to your health care provider will look for other causes of the symptoms and confirm the diagnosis. A psychological evaluation may be needed for more severe depression.
Treatment
As with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is good with continuous treatment, although some people have the disorder throughout their lives.
Review
Fred K. Berger, MD, Addiction and Forensic Psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 2/14/2010
