About Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Winter Blues Study at The University of Vermont

Study information

If interested in participating in THE BIOLOGY OF THE WINTER BLUES STUDY, please call 656-9890 or email sadstudy.uvm@gmail.com.  Recruitment CLOSED for the Winter Blues treatment study as of January 31, 2012.  

Do you notice that you feel fatigued and down?
Do your sleeping and eating habits change in the winter?
Do you feel sad or blue and lose interest in things during the winter?

Facts about SAD

• SAD was discovered before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s.
• Over 100 articles have been written on the subject since-1999.
• As many as 6 of every 100 people in the United States may have SAD.
• Sad is more common in northern geographic regions, like New England.
• SAD is more common in women than in men.
• The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February.
• SAD symptoms can include the following:  fatigue, weight and appetite changes, oversleeping,
 loss of interest in hobbies and social activities, difficulty concentrating, and low mood.
• Light therapy has been very effective in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of SAD.

 

Last modified March 11 2013 11:09 AM