Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder, Low Sex Drive, Sleep Problems, Low Energy, Inability To Concentrate

What Are the Symptoms Seasonal Affective

Bright Light Treatment

Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD)
& Winter Blues

Sleep & Circadian
Rhythm Disorders

Other Applications
for Bright Light
Treatment

Bibliography &
Resources

Links to other
websites

SunENews

Disorder?

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder manifest themselves differently for different people.

The typical symptoms include decreased mood and low energy level, social withdrawal, low sex drive, anxiety, irritability, and inability to concentrate or be productive at work.

The "classic" SAD symptoms, which are considered atypical symptoms of non-seasonal depression, are sleep problems, including changes in sleeping patterns (oversleeping and having poor sleep) and appetite changes (increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, and subsequent weight gain).

In children and teenagers, the symptoms are slightly different from those for adults. These symptoms include inability to concentrate as in adults, but also irritability, crying spells, anxiety, low energy and fatigue, difficulty in getting out of bed for school, and a lowering of grades and self-esteem.

Because these symptoms mirror the symptoms of laziness, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), learning disabilities, or the stereotypical behavior of teenagers, it is important for parents to note whether these symptoms recur year after year during the fall and winter months, and whether they go away in the spring.