Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of depression at the same time each year.
SAD is sometimes known as 'winter depression' because the symptoms are usually more apparent during the winter.
As with other kinds of depression, two of the main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a loss of interest in ordinary things. Other symptoms of SAD include:
- being less active,
- putting on weight, and
- sleeping more.
SAD affects most people in the winter
As SAD is a condition that most commonly occurs during the winter, the symptoms are worse in the winter months. SAD can sometimes affect people in the summer, although this is rare.
The symptoms of SAD often start as the days begin to get shorter, in the autumn, and are worst during December, January, and February. For most people with SAD, by spring time the symptoms will start to improve before eventually disappearing altogether.
How common is SAD?
In the UK, it is thought that SAD affects between 4-6 % of people. It tends to affect mainly younger people, with people in their twenties affected most. Depression in general affects twice as many women as men, and this figure is likely to be the same for SAD.
Outlook
Like any type of depression, SAD can be a difficult condition to live with. Symptoms can leave you feeling tired, stressed, and unhappy. However, a number of treatments and medications are available including:
