Seasonal affective disorder is a cyclic, seasonal condition. This kind of condition means the signs and symptoms come back and go away at the same times every year. Symptoms usually appear during the late fall or early winter months and subside during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder may begin mild but become more intense as the season progresses.
SAD symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Depression and anxiety
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Withdrawal from family, friends and social activities
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, especially the craving of foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating and processing information.
Although these are the main seasonal affective disorder symptoms, symptoms can vary from person to person. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. We suggest that all interested persons seek the advice of a skilled clinician.