{"id":6605,"date":"2024-01-16T13:26:30","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bbrown.com\/?post_type=insight&p=6605"},"modified":"2024-01-16T13:26:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:26:30","slug":"seasonal-affective-disorder-is-more-than-the-winter-blues","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.bbrown.com\/us\/insight\/seasonal-affective-disorder-is-more-than-the-winter-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Seasonal Affective Disorder is More Than \u2018The Winter Blues\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Population Health and Well-Being<\/p>\n

\n Seasonal Affective Disorder is More Than \u2018The Winter Blues\u2019\n <\/h1>\n\t\n <\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″]\n
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\n Seasonal Affective Disorder is More Than \u2018The Winter Blues\u2019\n <\/h1>\n\t\n <\/div>[vc_column_text]Seasonal affective disorder, known as SAD, is a form of depression in which mood changes usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight, and generally improve in spring. Typical signs of SAD include craving carbohydrates, sleeping more than usual and having little motivation. For people with SAD in the United States, the most difficult months are January and February.<\/p>\n

SAD is more than just \u201cwinter blues.\u201d The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD, and it is more common among women than men.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological, internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.<\/p>\n

Symptoms and Diagnosis<\/h3>\n

Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. SAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression, such as:1<\/sup><\/p>\n