Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Medical Author:
Rick Kulkarni, MD
Coauthor:
Kathryn L Hale, MS, PA-C
Medical Editor:
Ronald C Albucher, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Alan D Schmetzer, MD
Seasonal Depression OverviewSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Most people with SAD are depressed only during the late fall and winter (sometimes called the "winter blues") and not during the spring or summer. A small number, however, are depressed only during the late spring and summer. SAD is most common in young adult women, although it can affect men or women of any age. In North America, SAD may affect as many as 6 of every 100 people, more in the Northern portions of the country than in the South. Another 10-20% of people may have a milder form of seasonal mood change. Like all types of depression, SAD can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. Fortunately, almost all people with SAD can be helped with available therapies. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSeasonal Depression (SAD) - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your seasonal depression (SAD)? |
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Seasonal Depression (SAD)
What Is Depression?
Clinical depression is not just grief or sadness. It is an illness that can challenge the person's ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst, depression may lead the person to contemplate or commit suicide. Depression represents a burden for the person and his or her family. Sometimes that burden can seem overwhelming.
Several different types of mood disorders exist.
- Major depression is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. Major depression usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. It interferes with the person's normal functioning. The person may experience only one episode of depression, but repeated episodes often occur over the person's lifetime.
- Dysthymia is less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. ...
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Depression »
Major depression, also known as unipolar depression, is one of the more commonly encountered psychiatric disorders.
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