Health Tip: Understanding Seasonal Sadness

For most who have SAD, winter is the trigger

Related Encyclopedia • Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) • Dysthymia • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Serotonin More... Related Healthscout Videos PTSD: The War Within Women Magnets Relieve Depression Sex - The New Crack? Dangerous and Legal More... Related Animations • Bipolar Disorder Animation • Depression More... Related Drug Information • Ambien • Avandia • Effexor XR • Paxil More... Related News Articles • Obesity Appears Linked to Pain • HIV Severity, Treatment Unrelated to Kids' Mental Woes: Study • Prior Depression Can Leave People Sensitive to Life's Woes • Freedom More Important to Happiness Than Wealth, Study Finds More...

(HealthDay News) -- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is triggered when the seasons change, most often with the onset of winter and the corresponding decrease in sunlight.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common symptoms of winter-onset seasonal affective disorder:

• Appetite changes, particularly a desire for sweets and starches.
• Gaining weight.
• Sleeping too much.
• Lack of energy and a feeling of fatigue.
• Feeling irritable, anxious and having problems concentrating.
• Not wanting to participate in social activities and a general lack of interest in things you once enjoyed.
• Increased concern about being rejected socially.

Text Continues Below

---

Treatments are available for SAD. Talk with your doctor if you have these symptoms.

-- Diana Kohnle