Patna: Feeling low lately? Blame it on winter! City-based psychiatrists say they are getting a few cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that sets in during winter.

Symptoms of SAD or winter blues include feeling low, a tendency to overeat or not eat at all, nausea, difficulty waking up in the morning and concentrating on tasks, withdrawal from social situations, feeling helpless or hopeless and lack of pleasure in daily activity. City-based psychiatrist Vinay Kumar said 10 people with SAD have visited his clinic this season. "SAD is not to be confused with clinical depression," Vinay said.

SAD cases are largely reported in winter when there is less secretion of the hormone melatonin. Its release is largely controlled by exposure to natural light. When there is darkness, secretion of melatonin - a sleep-inducing hormone - increases. As a result people start feeling drowsy.

Those who visited Vinay's clinic with SAD were mostly aged between 35 and 50.

Santosh Kumar, a psychiatrist at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), said he, too, was getting one or two SAD cases in the outpatient department these days.

K.K. Singh, an associate professor at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, said: "We prescribe anti-depressants and ask patients to indulge in greater outdoor activity, preferably during daylight, and exercise. We don't continue anti-depressants after two months."

Vinay prescribed a few tips. "Get enough sunlight. Vitamin D is directly linked to depression in winter," Santosh said. "Consume a healthy and balanced diet. Staying well hydrated is also important because it gives you more energy, mental clarity. Maintain your activity levels in winters too."