A brief guide by Dr. M David Kurland explaining the similarities and differences between depression and seasonal affective disorder. Both have very similar symptoms; it's important to know which one you are affected by.

1. D E P R E S S I O N O R
S E A S O N A L A F F E C T I V E
D I S O R D E R ?

2. E V E RY Y E A R , O V E R 1 0 M I L L I O N
P E O P L E I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S
A R E D I A G N O S E D W I T H
S E A S O N A L A F F E C T I V E
D I S O R D E R ( S A D )

3. W H O I S
A F F E C T E D ?
• Seasonal Affective
Disorder is most
commonly experienced by
residents of the Northeast
• Women are more likely to
experience SAD than men
• It's difficult to determine if
someone's sadness is
depression or SAD

4. T H E F O L L O W I N G A R E S I G N S
T H AT Y O U M I G H T B E
E X P E R I E N C I N G S E A S O N A L
A F F E C T I V E D I S O R D E R :

5. • Seasonal Affective Disorder negatively affects
melatonin levels
• Disrupted melatonin levels eventually disturb
sleeping habits
1 . S L E E P I N G I N L AT E

6. 2 . G E N E R A L A PAT H Y
• People affected by SAD tend to become closed off
during the winter
• Work may suffer
• Individuals begin to withdraw from social circles

7. 3 . C A R B O L O A D I N G
• People experiencing SAD consume more than their normal
amount of carbohydrates

8. C R U C I A L D I S T I N C T I O N
• People who experience SAD usually feel fine during
other months
• Once the cold months have passed, people
experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder return to
their normal personalities & emotions
• If the symptoms last longer than the winter months, a
professional opinion should be sought.