Canadian Medical Guide > Psychiatry and Psychology > Mental Disorders > Mood Disorders > Depressive Disorder > Seasonal Affective Disorder Terms and Definitions

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Medical 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.
Guide Notes:	"seasonal" refers usually to winter; DF: SAD
Previously Indexed:	Affective Disorders (1985-1991),Depressive Disorder (1984-1991),Seasons (1984-1991)

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