Symptoms and Complications
SAD usually occurs during the late fall or winter months - usually between October and April. Symptoms include:
- lethargy and fatigue (low energy level)
- withdrawal from friends and family
- inability to focus or concentrate
- sadness, anxiety, and despair
- change in appetite with cravings for sweets and starches
- weight gain
- headaches
- irritability
- increased sleep
In children, symptoms include irritability, problems in school, and difficulty getting out of bed.
Some people, especially those who experience SAD in the summer, may have an opposite pattern of symptoms, such as loss of appetite and weight loss as well as insomnia.