How Does SAD Differ From Other Types of Depression?
The main difference between SAD and other types of depression is that SAD occurs only during the winter months. In many types of depression, people generally eat and sleep less and lose weight; people with SAD usually eat and sleep more and gain weight when it is cold and dark outside. SAD, like other types of clinical depression, is not caused by psychological or social factors, although such stresses can aggravate it. Normal sadness tends to be situational and does not generally include these physical symptoms. The “holiday blues” can be distinguished from SAD because they are generally not accompanied by physical symptoms. They are caused by the typical stresses of the December holiday season and occur only around the holidays.
The main difference between SAD and other types of depression is that SAD occurs seasonally, usually during the winter months. In many types of depression, people generally eat and sleep less and lose weight; people with SAD usually eat and sleep more and gain weight when it is cold and dark outside. SAD, like other types of clinical depression, is not caused by psychological or social factors, although such stresses can aggravate it. Normal sadness tends to be situational and does not generally include these physical symptoms. The “holiday blues” can be distinguished from SAD because they are generally not accompanied by physical symptoms. They are caused by the typical stresses of the December holiday season and occur only around the holidays.
