Symptoms of SAD

SAD can be distinguished from other forms of depression because it occurs on an annual basis, clearing up of its own accord when brighter days return and kicking off when the days start to get shorter.

For many with Seasonal Affective Disorder the transition to daylight saving time marks the start of winter with a sudden change being perceived in daylight hours and this may be enough to kick off the depression.

The four main symptoms of SAD are

• increased desire to sleep long hours
• extreme lethargy
• depression
• increased appetite especially for sweet and starchy foods

As a result of eating more most SAD sufferers put on weight in winter, the average gain being about 9lbs (4kg) but it can be up to 30lbs (13kg)

Some people (though not all) with Season Affective Disorder may also experience

• increased anxiety
• being unable to cope with stress as well as usual
• irritability
• loss of interest in sex
• feeling more introverted than usual, shunning company
• disturbed sleep patterns
• increased sensitivity to pain
• menstrual difficulties
• comfort eating
• digestive problems (constipation, diarrhoea)

The problem with diagnosing SAD is that the symptoms match so many other problems. Depression, fatigue and eating disorders are no rarity. For example, you could be suffering from any of the following (or you may have these in combination with Seasonal Affective Disorder)

• classic clinical depression
• underactive thyroid (which has symptoms such as feeling lethargic and being sensitive to cold)
• hypoglycaemia (low-blood sugar) (which has symptoms such as feeling weak, shaky and craving sweet and starchy foods)
• chronic fatigue syndrome (or other viral conditions) which deplete your energy levels
• sleep disorders
• allergies
• iron deficiency anaemia

Unless a pattern can be recognised and you can see that the symptoms descend as winter approaches and disappear in spring, you and your doctor may not suspect SAD and your doctor may not offer the right treatment for you, so it's important to look out for a seasonal pattern in your symptoms.

See also Do I have Seasonal Affective Disorder?