Seasonal Affective Disorder

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder differs from normal depression or post-partum depression in that it is triggered by seasonal-related factors, such as: a lack of sunlight, and possible changes to some neurotransmitters in the brain as a result of spending prolonged periods indoors. Both of these factors commonly occur throughout the winter months (usually from November through to the following March or April, when symptoms generally lift.)

Note: A much less common form of seasonal affective disorder can occur during the summertime, usually due to an abnormal sensitivity to light, or a repressed memory of a traumatic or upsetting life event being uprooted with the arrival of the summer season. This can cause depression-related symptoms, which, in turn, lift again as the season ends. As summer seasonal affective disorder is fairly uncommon, this article will focus upon winter seasonal affective disorder primarily.

Symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

Low mood

Loss of interest in life in general

Loss of enjoyment of activities you would normally look forward to and get pleasure from

Lack of motivation, energy and ability to concentrate on even the smallest of everyday tasks

Irritability

Excessive sleeping, or difficulty in getting off to sleep

Increased or diminished appetite

Weight loss or weight gain

Diminished sex drive.