Signs and Symptoms

Below is a list of typical signs and symptoms that may be experienced by an individual suffering from SAD. A health professional would diagnose SAD in an individual experiencing at least 5 symptoms from this list for a consistent period greater than 2 weeks with a seasonal pattern.

• Depressed mood or sadness (Adolescents may display this as irritability).
   

• Very little interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities that you once found interesting or pleasurable.
   

• Irritability
   

• Significant weight gain or increased appetite (especially a craving for sweets).
   

• Hypersomnia – increased sleep or need for sleep.
  Interpersonal difficulties (especially increased sensitivity to social rejection)
   

• Fatigue or loss of energy.
   

• “Leaden paralysis” - a heavy, leaden feeling in the arms or legs. “My arms feel like they weigh a ton.”
   

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt that may be excessive or inappropriate.
   

• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
   

• Recurrent thoughts of death (not just a fear of dying), recurrent suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

A suspected diagnosis could be confirmed by completing and evaluating a standardized questionnaire specific to SAD. The seasonal health questionnaire (SHQ) and the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire (SPAQ) were both developed as a diagnostic tool for health professionals. Some studies have shown the SHQ to be more accurate in diagnosing SAD.