About 70% of depressed people feel worse during the winter and better during the summer. To meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, depression should be present only at a specific time of year (eg, in the fall or winter), and full remission should occur at a characteristic time of year (eg, spring). An individual should demonstrate at least two episodes of depressive disturbance in the previous 2 years, and seasonal episodes should substantially outnumber nonseasonal episodes. Patients with seasonal affective disorder are more likely to report atypical symptoms, such as hypersomnia, increased appetite, and a craving for carbohydrates.
For more on the presentation of seasonal depression, read here.
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Cite this: Stephen Soreff. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Depression? - Medscape - Jan 20, 2016.
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