A condition in which a person becomes depressed and anxious during the winter when there are fewer hours of day light. Its precise cause is not known, but it is thought that the shortage of daylight may provoke a reaction between various hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Depression due to hypersecretion of melatonin from the pineal gland in the brain due to decreased intensity and quantity of light during winter months; results in depressed mood, weight gain, and altered sleeping habits.
A form of recurring depression that begins in the fall or winter and resolves in the spring or summer. Seasonal affective disorder is commonly abbreviated SAD. In addition to the fall or winter onset of low mood, symptoms include lack of energy, loss of interest in work and other important activities, declining sexual interest, craving for carbohydrate foods (such as pasta, rice, potatoes, and pastry), increased appetite and weight gain, lengthened sleep time, and movement that is slow, sluggish, and lethargic. Light therapy is an effective treatment. Antidepressant medication can also be effective.
A mood disorder characterized by dysphoria or depression in fall and winter, and, sometimes, relative mania or hypomania in the spring and summer. The disorder is more common in women than men, and in younger persons than older ones. A characteristic of the disorder is its ability to be treated with bright ambient or artificially provided light. Antidepressant medications (e.g., fluoxetine or bupropion) are also helpful.
A mood disorder distinguished by feelings of depression, increased body weight, and excessive sleepiness specifically experienced during the winter season. It is estimated that approximately 4-6% of the population in Canada and the northern United States are affected by this condition, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression characterized by mood fluctuations that correspond to the changing seasons. Individuals with SAD typically experience depression during the winter months when there is reduced natural light, and their mood improves during the spring. For some individuals, daily exposure to bright light for a duration of two to four hours in the morning appears to help prevent the onset of symptoms.