Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Seasonal affective disorder

It can sometimes be quite difficult to tell the difference between SAD and other types of depression. It may not be immediately obvious that the symptoms are linked to changes in the seasons, as people with non-seasonal depression can also have repeated cycles of symptoms worsening and improving, but for different reasons.

It is therefore important to try to spot the pattern of symptoms always appearing in the winter months, and disappearing in the summer on their own, not as a result of treatment. It usually takes at least two years to show this pattern clearly.

A special questionnaire called the Seasonal Health Questionnaire is sometimes used to help specialists work out whether a person has SAD. 

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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