If you notice bouts of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Take the following quiz below to learn more about this condition.

Remember, It is very important that you do not diagnose yourself with seasonal affective disorder. If you have symptoms of depression, see your doctor for a thorough assessment.

1) People with seasonal affective disorder feel sad only during the winter.

• True
• The correct answer is False. People with SAD experience depression during a particular season of the year. Most people with SAD are depressed during the fall and winter months. For others, SAD can occur during the spring and summer. This form is sometimes called reverse SAD or summer SAD.

• False
• Correct. People with SAD experience depression during a particular season of the year. Most people with SAD are depressed during the fall and winter months. For others, SAD can occur during the spring and summer. This form is sometimes called reverse SAD or summer SAD.

2) Women and teens are more likely to develop SAD than others.

• True
• Correct. Although SAD can affect anyone, women, adolescents, and young adults seem to be more susceptible. Older adults are less likely to develop it. SAD sufferers also tend to have a family member with mental illness, such as depression or alcohol abuse.

• False
• The correct answer is True. Although SAD can affect anyone, women, adolescents, and young adults seem to be more susceptible. Older adults are less likely to develop it. SAD sufferers also tend to have a family member with mental illness, such as depression or alcohol abuse.

3) SAD is more common in northern regions.

• True
• Correct. Sad is linked to a lack of serotonin, which increases in the body when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, the northeastern states who have many overcast days, see higher rates of diagnosed cases of SAD.

• False
• The correct answer is True. Sad is linked to a lack of serotonin, which increases in the body when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, the northeastern states who have many overcast days, see higher rates of diagnosed cases of SAD.

4) A good way to combat SAD in the winter is to get outdoors every day even if it is overcast.

• True
• Correct. Go outdoors regularly. When indoors, try to sit near a window, getting as much sunlight as possible.

• False
• The correct answer is True. Go outdoors regularly. When indoors, try to sit near a window, getting as much sunlight as possible.

5) In some cases of SAD, a physician or therapist may prescribe light therapy.

• True
• Correct. Light therapy, or phototherapy, has many benefits for patients who have been diagnosed with SAD. The effectiveness of light therapy for treating SAD may be linked to the fact that light therapy makes up for lost sunlight exposure and resets the body's internal clock.

• False
• The correct answer is True. Light therapy, or phototherapy, has many benefits for patients who have been diagnosed with SAD. The effectiveness of light therapy for treating SAD may be linked to the fact that light therapy makes up for lost sunlight exposure and resets the body's internal clock.

Related:

• Learn more about seasonal affective disorder.