Seasonal Affective Disorder
Episodes of depression that recur at specific times of the year.
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Melancholy by Edvard Munch |
DSM-IV Criteria
- Presence of a major depressive episode spanning at least two weeks.
- Five symptoms must be present and can include: apathy, sleep and
eating disturbances, persistent negative thoughts, thoughts of death
and suicide, and depressed mood. Hypersomnia (oversleeping) and weight
gain are specifically characteristic of SAD.
- Episodes must change with the seasons. Recurrent depression in
winter months is common.
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Debates in Treatment
Researchers are currently investigating the effects of sunlight and light
therapy on SAD sufferers. This method of treatment is being explored due to
the high frequency of winter-time depression, an increase in sufferersâ levels
of the sleep-related hormone melatonin, and low prevalence in areas along the
equator, where days are longer year round. |
Originally created by the OMHA Education Committee and Adrienne Prettyman
Sources: DSM-IV |
