Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Get Worse with Age?

For many, the darkness of the season can come with serious mood disturbances. Though, studies show that seasonal affective disorder and aging are not correlated.

By Sara Novak
Jan 9, 2023 7:45 PMJan 9, 2023 7:44 PM
Seasonal affective disorder old man
(Credit: Kzenon/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

This article was originally published on Nov. 24, 2021.

The days are getting shorter, it’s harder to get out of bed in the morning and it’s darn near impossible to get outside before the sun goes down at night. For some, the winter months make us want to saddle up on the couch with a bag of potato chips and hibernate until spring. And for those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a subset of depression that occurs during the winter, the darkness of the season comes with much more serious mood disturbances.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.