UVA Health speaks on Seasonal Affective Disorder -
28 Jan 2024
CBS19 News -
While Friday's weather did not, in fact, indicate that it is winter, it certainly is. For some people, winter can be associated with a psychological disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Dr. Kim Penberthy, a UVA Health psychologist, says about 10 million Americans suffer from it, with most cases typically seen in middle-aged people and more commonly in women.
Some symptoms include sad, anxious or "empty" feelings, social withdrawal, and irritability and agitation.
Penberthy says one simple way to treat it is just by being in natural light.