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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, Explained in Under 2 Minutes

SAD may cause mood and behavior changes based on seasons and the weather.

Marisa Taylor KarasMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on June 3, 2025
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | June 3, 2025

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that corresponds to changes in seasons. People with SAD may experience depression symptoms during certain seasons (usually winter), and then feel better when the season changes again.

In this video, learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments for seasonal affective disorder.

References

Campbell, P. D., et al. (2017). Bright light therapy: Seasonal affective disorder and beyond. The Einstein Journal of Biology and Medicine.

MedlinePlus. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder.

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Why trust our experts?

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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