Seasonal Affective Disorder is believed to be brought on by less exposure to sunlight, and a change in our circadian rhythm, which may cause a biochemical imbalance in the brain (American Psychiatric Association, 2020).
It is more prevalent in countries that are located further from the equator, and therefore, have less sunlight. Research has shown that there also may be a genetic component to SAD, and that it’s typically seen more in adults than children, and in more women than men.
Symptoms of SAD range from mild to severe and are similar to those of depression.
The primary symptom is a persistent sadness which also may include changes in appetite and weight, cravings for carbohydrates, sleep problems, feeling fatigued even if you are oversleeping, social withdrawal, loss of interest in work or hobbies, feeling useless, guilty or hopeless, irritability and trouble with concentration or decision making.