Intro to Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD

This video provides an introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is related to changes in the weather through the seasons. It discusses the symptoms of SAD, the difference between winter and summer depression, and the connection between SAD and bipolar disorder.

Let's talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression related to changes in the weather through the seasons. In the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, symptoms start and end at similar times each year. Symptoms of SAD align with many symptoms of other depressive disorders. These include changes in mood, appetite, sleep, interests, concentration, and self-esteem. However, these symptoms come on at a specific time of the year. The most common kind of SAD begins in the fall and continues through winter. During these typically colder and darker months, a person may experience depressive symptoms. Fall and winter SAD, also known as winter depression, may involve oversleeping, weight gain, low energy, tiredness, and a craving for foods high in carbohydrates. There's also spring and summer SAD, or summer depression, where symptoms begin in spring and continue through the summer. This type of depression may induce difficulty sleeping, weight loss, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and poor appetite. In general, summer depression is less common than winter depression. Additionally, people who have bipolar disorder are more likely to experience symptoms of SAD, including mania or depression.