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As the days become shorter, some of us find that, just as we did at this time last year, we're feeling gloomy, we don't want to get out of bed and we don't seem to have the energy or motivation to do much of anything. If that’s you, you could be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The disorder is a pattern of major depression that comes and goes with changes in the seasons, occurring most often in winter. It's attributed to seasonal variations in light. Six percent of American adults suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder; another 14 percent suffer from milder forms called "winter blues," when their mood, energy level, and productivity are lower than during the rest of the year. Women are more susceptible than men.

Symptoms can begin as early as September or as late as Christmas and last until spring. "Many people can predict almost to the week when they will begin to experience their symptoms," said Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the researcher who named the disorder. People living in northern areas may experience their symptoms earlier.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Social withdrawal
• Increased desire to sleep and/or sleep disturbances
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Overeating; craving of carbohydrates, chocolate, caffeine
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decreased sexual drive or interest

If you suspect you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to your doctor. These symptoms can be confused with other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome or viral infections like mononucleosis.

What causes it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain caused by shorter daylight hours. The brain gets too much of the hormone melatonin which has been linked to depression and helps to regulate eating, sleeping, weight control and sex drive.

Other research suggests that lack of serotonin, a brain chemical that seems to be triggered by sunlight, is the reason for winter depression.

How is Seasonal Affective Disorder treated?
If your symptoms significantly affect your daily living, there are a number of treatments that may help.

Light therapy - regulated exposure to very bright light - has proven effective. Psychotherapy can be helpful as well as lifestyle changes. Medications are also prescribed to treat the disorder.

Read more about treatments>>>

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Sources:
Winter Blues, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D. The Guilford Press 2002
American Psychiatric Association
U.S. National Institutes of Health
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Swedish Medical Center, Seattle WA
Mayo Clinic

Editor's note: Seasonal Affective disorder is sometimes referred to as SAD. If you do your own research on Seasonal Affective Disorder online, be aware that SAD is also used to identify Social Anxiety Disorder.