Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Depression Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Symptoms

If you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you will usually have symptoms of depression during the winter when there is less daylight (October through April). Symptoms of SAD include:1

  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Low energy and fatigue.
  • Reduced interest in daily activities, especially social activities.
  • Moodiness (depressed, sad, or unusually quiet).
  • Increased appetite.
  • Cravings for complex carbohydrates (such as pasta and bread).
  • Weight gain.
  • Increased sleep.
  • Loss of interest in sex.
  • Irritability.

People with SAD may either have symptoms of major depression or minor depression. Those with minor depression are considered to have subsyndromal SAD.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 08, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.