By: Gina and Laurel

Seasonal AffectiveDisorder (SAD)

DefinitionSeasonal affective disorder is a conditionof mild to severe depression brought onby winter.

Symptoms

Some symptoms for SAD are excessive sleep, acraving for carbohydrates, fatigue, and weightgain.

Treatments

Light therapy is exposing the patient to brightartificial light to compensate for the gloominessof winter.The also use antidepressants for some people.

Interesting facts

A café in Helsinki, Finland, provides special lamps that simulate artificial daylight to keep customers from falling victim to SAD during the long winter days.

Even in warmer climates, a series of overcast days may lead people to feel down or depressed.