Seasonal Affective Disorder

**Definition:** A syndrome characterized by depressions that recur annually at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy, increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings), increased duration of sleep, and weight gain. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can be treated by daily exposure to bright artificial lights (PHOTOTHERAPY), during the season of recurrence.

**Tree numbers:** - F03.600.300.775

**Synonyms:** - Seasonal Affective Disorders - Seasonal Mood Disorder