Scientists do not fully understand what causes SAD. SAD is more common in people who have relatives with other mental illnesses, such as major depression or schizophrenia. Learn more about these disorders by visiting the NIMH Mental Health Information page. Additionally, people with SAD tend to have other mental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, an eating disorder, an anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. SAD is more common in people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, especially bipolar II disorder, which is associated with recurrent depressive and hypomanic episodes (less severe than the full-blown manic episodes typical of bipolar I disorder). In most cases, SAD begins in young adulthood. For example, people living in Alaska or New England may be more likely to develop SAD than people living in Florida. SAD occurs much more often in women than in men, and it is more common in those living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter. Millions of American adults may suffer from SAD, although many may not know they have the condition. The episodes must be much more frequent than other depressive episodes that the person may have had at other times of the year during their lifetime.However, not all people with SAD do experience symptoms every year. The depressive episodes must occur during specific seasons (i.e., only during the winter months or the summer months) for at least 2 consecutive years.They must have symptoms of major depression or the more specific symptoms listed above.To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria: They may have you fill out specific questionnaires to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for SAD. If you think you may be suffering from SAD, talk to your health care provider or a mental health specialist about your concerns. You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Specific symptoms for summer-pattern SAD may include: Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”).Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates.Having frequent thoughts of death or suicideįor winter-pattern SAD, additional specific symptoms may include:.Experiencing changes in appetite or weight.Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day.Symptoms of major depression may include: Not every person with SAD will experience all of the symptoms listed below. Therefore, the signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with major depression, and some specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern and summer-pattern SAD. SAD is not considered a separate disorder but is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4 to 5 months per year. Some people may experience depressive episodes during the spring and summer months this is called summer-pattern SAD or summer depression and is less common. In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer this is known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior whenever the seasons change, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression. In some cases, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spring, with longer daylight hours. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. Many people go through short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves. Research Training and Career Development Opportunities.Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program).Upcoming Observances and Related Events.Contribute to Mental Health Research Mobile navigation
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