Explained: What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Know Its Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression which makes people feel sad or unsatisfied for short periods of time when the seasons change. When one experiences mood swings during winter, it is called winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder or winter depression. The specific additional symptoms experienced by people suffering from summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder include trouble sleeping, restlessness and agitation, poor appetite, weight loss, anxiety and episodes of violent behaviour. While the exact cause behind seasonal affective disorder is not known, the episodes of depression often occur in winter due to low amounts of sunlight. Medications Since seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression, and is associated with low levels of serotonin activity, one must take antidepressant medications prescribed by a licensed medical professional.