A syndrome characterized by depressions that recur annually at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy, increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings), increased duration of sleep, and weight gain. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can be treated by daily exposure to bright artificial lights (PHOTOTHERAPY), during the season of recurrence.
Also Known As:
Seasonal Affective Disorders; Affective Disorder, Seasonal; Depression, Winter; Disorder, Seasonal Affective; Disorder, Seasonal Mood; Mood Disorder, Seasonal; Seasonal Mood Disorders; Seasonal Mood Disorder; Winter Depression