Seasonal Affective Disorder most often presents with depressive symptoms during which season?

• A. Winter
• B. Summer
• C. Spring
• D. Autumn

Answer: (A)

Seasonal Affective Disorder follows a seasonal pattern tied to daylight exposure. Reduced daylight in winter disrupts circadian rhythms and alters neurotransmitter systems (like serotonin and melatonin), which can trigger depressive symptoms. Because days are shorter and sunlight is weaker for many people, the winter pattern is the most common presentation. Symptoms often include low mood, fatigue, hypersomnia, and increased appetite with weight gain, and they typically improve as days get longer in spring. While some people experience a summer pattern, that’s much less common. So the season when depressive symptoms most often begin and recur is winter.