Depressive Symptoms and Family History in Seasonal and Nonseasonal Mood Disorders

The goal of this study was to compare the symptoms & family history of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with those of nonseasonal mood disorders. Patients with SAD reported significantly more hypersomnia, hyperphagia, & weight gain & reported less suicidal ideation & morning worsening of mood than the patients with nonseasonal mood disorders. No differences were found in family histories of mood disorders though alcoholism was found more frequently in the relatives of patients with SAD.