SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
What is SAD?
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a clinically diagnosed disorder typically characterised by a fall or winter onset with several of the following symptoms:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Lethargy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Carbohydrate or sugar cravings (often accompanied by weight gain)
- Difficulty waking in the morning
- Sleep disturbance
- Social withdrawal
- Reduced productivity
- Irritability
These symptoms are a result of important brain chemicals, namely serotinin and melatonin, becoming imbalanced due to the decreased availability of light in the fall and winter seasons. The impact of SAD is felt in one's general emotional state, relationships, occupation, and/or overall sense of life satisfaction. When untreated, the symptoms typically worsen as winter progresses. In the northern latitudes, this disorder affects up to one in five people.
What are the Winter Blues?
The winter blues are a less severe form of seasonal affective disorder. However, just because there may not be as many symptoms does not mean treatment should not be sought. In fact, the winter blues are, like seasonal affective disorder, quite treatable.
What is Winter Worsening?
Winter worsening is a pre-existing condition, such as depression or PMS that gets worse during the fall and winter months.