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Seasonal Affective Disorder


Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms associated with SAD can vary, depending on how severe the condition is. Symptoms include:

  • depression that begins in the fall or winter
  • lack of energy
  • decreased interest in work or other activities
  • increased appetite with weight gain
  • carbohydrate cravings
  • increased sleep, with more daytime sleepiness
  • social withdrawal
  • afternoon slumps with low energy and poor concentration
  • slow, sluggish, lethargic movements
  • These symptoms usually occur during the "seasonal period" that affects a person and then goes away after that particular season. The symptoms then tend to reappear the following year at the same time.