Doctor's Notes on Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD, seasonal depression) is a type of depression linked to the seasons of the year. The majority of people who have SAD have symptoms mainly in the late fall and winter seasons (a few have summer SAD), and SAD is most common in young adult women. Signs and symptoms may include depressed mood, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, poor concentration, indecisive and thoughts of death or suicide. These occur at about the same time each year for the individual. Some experience anxiety in anticipation of the seasonal changes and their returning symptoms. People with winter SAD may also exhibit excess sleeping, craving for sugar, starchy foods or alcohol, weight gain, heaviness in arms and legs, have social conflicts, and behavioral changes. Other signs and symptoms of summer SAD include insomnia, poor appetite, weight loss, agitation, and anxiety.
The exact causes of SAD are unknown. However, SAD may run in families and may be related to alcohol abuse, and low levels of vitamin D. Some researchers believe chemical changes occur in the brain when sunlight is reduced or increased as seasons change.
What Are the Treatments for Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD)?
Antidepressants treat SAD. However, bupropion is the only medication FDA-approved for prevention of major depression diagnosed with SAD. Other treatments include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Phototherapy (light therapy)
- Talk therapy (modifying behaviors, stress reduction)
- Chronotherapy (resetting sleep schedule)
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that is best for your symptoms.
Depression : Signs & Symptoms Quiz

Depression is a(n) __________ .
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Antidepressant Medications
There are many types of depression such as clinical depression, major depression, seasonal affective depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are a variety of depression medications, and their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient. Examples of the types of depression medications include atypical antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking any medication. -
SSRIs and Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that affect serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter. Side effects may include rash, low blood sugar, drowsiness, photosensitivity, and kidney or liver impairment. SSRI side effects include withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation in men, photosensitivity (increased risk of sunburn), rash, low blood sodium levels, low blood sugar levels, drowsiness, and kidney or liver impairment.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.