You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Recurring depression during fall and winter
- Disappearance of depression during spring and summer
- Hypomania, or mania, during spring and summer
- Sleep problems, including insomnia or excessive sleep
- Social withdrawal
- Cravings for sugary and starchy food
- Weight gain
Symptoms of summer depression may include:
- Recurring depression during the summer months
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Agitation and anxiety4
Diagnosis
If you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the depression that you experience may be all-too-apparent. However, the key is determining whether your depression is caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or some underlying chronic conditions that may be affecting the body’s normal rhythms. (For instance, SAD may be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism or hypoglycemia.)
The following tests may be helpful in accurately diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder:
- Circadian Rhythm Self-assessment – Helps to determine if a disruption of the body’s natural cycles is the cause of sleep and/or mood problems. Take the test now.
- Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis Self-assessment and the Magnesium Assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions. Learn more about Self-assessments.
- Actigraph – A small motion-sensing device (used during evaluation by a healthcare provider) can be attached to the patient’s wrist to monitor sleep-wake cycles.
- Blood tests – May be used to rule out underlying conditions such as diabetes, hormone imbalances, or other chronic conditions.
Additional Information about Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Overview of seasonal affective disorder
- Common causes of seasonal affective disorder
- Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for seasonal affective disorder
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder
- Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for seasonal affective disorder
