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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz 2024 – Self-Assessment Test


Take a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) quiz to assess where your symptoms fall. If you score high, it's best to see a professional.

Seasonal affective disorder[1] (SAD) is a mental health condition. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it’s formally labeled as a type of major depression. 

The official name for SAD is major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. However, most people just know it as SAD.

If you think you may be experiencing this condition, take the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) quiz below. It will give you an idea of where you fall in regards to SAD symptoms. 

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz

The seasonal affective disorder (SAD) quiz below is not meant to diagnose SAD. However, it can give you an idea of where your symptoms fall. 

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I find that I am often in a sad mood during certain times of year, like the winter months.

I cry frequently during certain times of the year, like the winter months.

I am very tired and lethargic during the winter.

I sleep more than usual during the winter.

I find that I have difficulty concentrating at certain times of the year.

I gain weight during the winter, because I crave sugars and carbohydrates for comfort.

I feel like I have no energy during the winter.

During certain times of the year, I withdraw from social situations, because I have no desire to participate.

I feel agitated or restless at certain times of the year, like during summer.

I experience insomnia during the summer.

Your Result

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz

How This Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz Works

This quiz evaluates how likely you are to be experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is based upon diagnostic symptoms of this disorder. 

You will receive a total score between 0 and 40. Higher scores indicate a higher level of SAD symptoms. Your total score is the sum of your responses across all items.

Who Is This Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz For?

This seasonal affective disorder (SAD) quiz is for anyone who feels down or irritable during certain times of year. SAD symptoms usually appear during winter, but they can show up in the summer, too.

If your mood shifts during certain seasons, take this quiz to see whether you might meet criteria for SAD.

Is It Accurate?

This quiz cannot diagnose seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, it is based upon diagnostic criteria[2] for the condition. 

It will give you an idea of whether you’re showing symptoms of SAD. If you score high, it’s best to seek assessment from a mental health professional. 

Other Things You Might Want To Know

If you’re taking a social anxiety disorder (SAD) quiz, you might be interested in the other information below. 

These resources provide additional information related to SAD: 

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) varies based on location. In Florida, 1%[1] of people experience SAD, compared to 9%[1] in Alaska.

How is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) diagnosed?

In the United States, clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, to diagnose mental health conditions. This book lists diagnostic criteria for a variety of mental health conditions, including SAD.[1]

Who can diagnose seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

SAD is diagnosed by physicians, psychiatrists or mental health professionals. Mental health professionals who may diagnose SAD include psychologists, professional counselors, and clinical social workers. Psychiatric nurse practitioners may also diagnose SAD.

Resource

Blurtitout employs stringent sourcing standards, using only peer-reviewed studies and academic research to ensure the accuracy of its content. For details on their editorial process, you can visit their website. This commitment to reliable sources is crucial in the health and medical fields. If you need help finding or interpreting these sources

  1. Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. Depression research and treatment, [online] 2015, pp.1–6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/178564.
  2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder. [online] Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20noticed%20significant,pattern%20SAD%20or%20winter%20depression.
  3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2024). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): More Than the Winter Blues. [online] Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-more-than-the-winter-blues.
  4. Medlineplus.gov. (2018). Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Jacobsen is a university professor and mental health professional with over 10 years of experience writing in the health and wellness space.

Kind words
for unkind days