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 Pinpointing Mental Illness Meet Sue Bergeson Getting a Second Opinion Managing Bipolar Disorder More... Related Animations • Bipolar Disorder Animation • Depression More... Related Drug Information • Ambien • Avandia • Effexor XR • Paxil More... Related News Articles • Family History Key to Psychiatric Disorder Risk • Anti-Smoking Drugs Get FDA 'Black-Box' Warning • Sad Dads May Lead to Crying Infants • Depression, Anxiety Bad for the Heart 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