Conditions and symptoms
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Explained
Seasonal Affective Disorder · say it: SEE-zuh-nul af-FEK-tiv dis-OR-derAlso written: SAD, seasonal depression, winter depression, major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern
Short answer
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that comes back at the same time each year, most often in autumn and winter.
What it means
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually starting in autumn or winter and lifting in spring or summer. Common symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, low energy, sleeping more, craving carbohydrates and weight gain. Less often it happens in summer.
It appears on some antidepressant labels as an indication: for example, a long-acting form of bupropion is approved to prevent seasonal depressive episodes in people with a history of them. These labels carry the usual antidepressant warnings, including watching for mood changes and suicidal thoughts in young people, which you should report straight away.
SAD is a form of major depression, not just 'winter blues'. Treatments can include light therapy, talking therapy and medicine, chosen with a clinician.
Where you may see it
- The 'Indications' section of some antidepressant labels
- Mental health assessment letters
- Primary care notes
📄 How it looks on a report
Indicated for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder.
🙅 What it does not mean
- SAD is not just feeling a bit down in winter; it is a recognised form of depression.
- It is not caused simply by a lack of willpower.
- Light boxes and medicines should be chosen with advice, especially if you have bipolar disorder or eye conditions.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Seasonal Affective Disorder”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Bupropion Hydrochloride
an aminoketone antidepressant, a type of medicine used to treat depression
- Paroxetine
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant medicine
- Sertraline
An SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), a type of antidepressant medicine, according to the label
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Seasonal Affective Disorder” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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