Which mood disorder is often linked to specific seasons, particularly winter?

Seasonal affective disorder, often abbreviated as SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by the onset of depression during specific seasons, most commonly in the winter months. This condition is linked to changes in light exposure, which can affect melatonin and serotonin levels in the body, leading to symptoms such as low energy, sadness, and changes in sleep and appetite patterns.

Understanding SAD is particularly important for recognizing how environmental factors can influence mood and mental health, distinguishing it from other disorders that do not show a clear seasonal pattern. For instance, panic disorder and phobias are anxiety-related disorders that can occur year-round and are not directly tied to seasonal changes. Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include depressive and manic episodes but is not designated by a specific seasonal pattern like SAD. Thus, the context of seasonal influences is critical in identifying and understanding SAD as a unique mood disorder.