Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleDepressive episodes that start and lift at the same seasons for at least 2 years in a row, with seasonal episodes outnumbering non-seasonal ones.
Symptoms
- Low mood in autumn/winter
- Oversleeping
- Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
- Heavy, leaden fatigue
- Social withdrawal ('hibernating')
- Lifting of symptoms in spring
How diagnosis works
- Depressive episodes that regularly start and end at a particular time of year.
- Pattern seen for at least 2 years, and seasonal episodes outnumber non-seasonal ones.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Therapies & support
- Light therapy
- CBT
- Daylight exposure and exercise
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024