Test Your Knowledge

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) typically fluctuate with the seasons. Many patients begin to experience depression in October or November, which may grow worse as the winter progresses. Depression tends to be mild to moderate, although some patients report more significant depression. Patients may experience several symptoms during this time, including:

• Daytime fatigue and lethargy
  
  
• Decreased interest in activities that are normally pleasurable such as sex (anhedonia)
  
  
• Excessive sleep
  
  
• Heaviness in the arms and legs
  
  
• Lack of hope
  
  
• Social withdrawal
  
  
• Strong desire for foods that are sugary or starchy
  
  
• Weight gain

Sometime in March or April, a patient’s mood typically begins to lift. By May, most patients have returned to their normal emotional state.

In rare cases, patients who have SAD may experience depression during the summer months. This is sometimes referred to as “reverse SAD.” Scientists believe this is a response to heat and humidity. Symptoms of reverse SAD include:

• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Weight loss