How do i distinguish depression from seasonal affective disorder?

Depression: There are a number of different types of depression, which sad is one. The distinguishing characteristics od sad include the seasonal and cyclical pattern of the depression, accompanied by loss of energy, increased appetite, low motivation and oversleeping. Other depressions can occur at any time during the year and do not improve necessarily as seasons change.

Agree w Dr Pancer.: Seasonal affective disorder is one type of depression. SAD symptoms occur with change in season (often fall and winter) & can include carbohydrate craving, increased appetite with weight gain, low energy level, irritability, moodiness, sleeping more, heavy feeling in extremities, being overly sensitive to rejection and it can impact relationships. There are some people who develop seasonal