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Also called: SAD, Seasonal depression,
Seasonal mood disorder
Some people experience a serious
mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much,
have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They
may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they
usually clear up. This condition is seasonal affective disorder
(SAD). It usually happens during the winter. A less common
type of SAD happens in the summer.
What causes SAD?
Some experts
think it's a lack of sunlight during winter, when the days
are shorter. In the United States, it is much more common
in northern states. Light therapy, in which patients expose
themselves to a special type of light for 30 minutes every
day often helps. Other treatments include:
- Medicines
- Changes in diet
- Learning to manage stress
- Going to a sunny climate during the cold months
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