Seasonal affective disorder

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Forms of depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) refers to episodes of depression that occur every year during fall or winter. Symptoms improve in spring and summer.

Depression - winter; SAD

The disorder may begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men.

Most people with the "winter blahs" or "cabin fever" do not have SAD. People who live in places with long winter nights are not necessarily more likely to have SAD.

The cause of SAD is not known, but it is thought to be related to many factors, including:

• Ambient light
• Body temperature
• Hormone regulation

A rare form occurs in the summer.

Review Date: 02/14/2010
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

---

---