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Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Writer: Munachiso Ezeasor
    Munachiso Ezeasor
  • Nov 15, 2024
  • 1 min read

Seasonal Affective Disorder| Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder| Mental Aid blog

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, occurring and resolving around the same time each year [2]. These symptoms typically improve during the spring and summer. In rarer cases, SAD can cause depression in the spring or early summer, which then subsides in the fall or winter [2]. SAD usually begins in adulthood, with the likelihood of developing it increasing as people get older [1]. It is uncommon in individuals under 20 years old, and women are more frequently affected than men [1]. Risk factors of seasonal affective disorder are a family history of SAD, having major depression or bipolar disorder, living far from the equator, and having a low level of vitamin D [2].


Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

  1. Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness [1]

  2. Loss of interest and pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed [1]

  3. Social withdrawal and increased sensitivity to rejection [1]

  4. Grouchiness and anxiety [1]

  5. Feelings of guilt and hopelessness [1]

  6. Excessive tiredness (fatigue) [1]

  7. Decreased sex drive [1]

  8. Decreased ability to focus [1]

  9. Trouble thinking clearly [1]

  10. Increased appetite, especially for sweets and carbohydrates [1]

  11. Weight gain [1]

  12. Physical problems, such as headaches [1]

  13. Feeling listless, sad, or down most of the day, nearly every day [2]

  14. Having problems with sleeping too much [2]

  15. Having difficulty concentrating [2]

  16. Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty [2]

  17. Having thoughts of not wanting to live [2]




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