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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Seasonal Depression Test Online: Check Your Knowledge

Quick, free seasonal affective disorder test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Yannick MaesUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for seasonal depression quiz on a coral background

This seasonal depression quiz helps you spot common signs of seasonal affective disorder and pick up simple coping ideas. Answer quick questions, get instant feedback, and use what you learn to support your well-being through the darker months. Afterward, you can try our mood disorder quiz or the bipolar depression test to understand related patterns and resources.

What does SAD stand for in the context of seasonal depression?
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Summer Adjustment Disorder
Seasonal Anxiety Disease
Seasonal Aggressive Dysphoria
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the clinical term for depression that recurs seasonally, most often in winter months. It is recognized by mental health professionals and listed in diagnostic manuals. Understanding the correct term helps in finding reliable information and treatments.
Which season is most commonly associated with the onset of seasonal affective disorder?
Summer
Autumn (Fall)
Spring
Winter
Seasonal Affective Disorder most often begins in late autumn or early winter when daylight hours decrease. Less sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Recognizing the timing helps anticipate and manage symptoms.
Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of SAD?
Excessive energy and hype
Persistent low mood
Increased risk-taking behavior
Heightened sociability
Persistent low mood during specific seasons is central to diagnosing SAD. Patients often report feeling down, lethargic, and less motivated. Recognizing key symptoms aids in seeking appropriate treatment.
What common treatment involves exposure to bright artificial light to reduce SAD symptoms?
Aromatherapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Light therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy
Light therapy uses a special lamp that emits bright light to mimic natural sunlight, helping to reset circadian rhythms and improve mood. It is FDA-approved and widely recommended for SAD. Sessions typically last 20 - 30 minutes daily in the morning.
Deficiency of which vitamin is often linked to the development of SAD?
Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin D synthesis is triggered by sunlight exposure, which decreases in winter months. Low vitamin D levels have been correlated with mood disturbances and SAD. Supplementation and safe sun exposure can support mood regulation.
Which demographic group is at higher risk for developing SAD?
Adults over 65
Men
Women
Children under 10
Epidemiological studies show that women are diagnosed with SAD more frequently than men - often by a ratio of about 4:1. Hormonal factors and gender differences in light sensitivity may contribute. Awareness of risk factors can guide earlier screening.
What term describes the milder, subclinical form of seasonal mood changes often seen in winter?
Winter Blues
Seasonal Dysphoria
Circadian Misalignment
Seasonal Mood Mania
The term 'winter blues' refers to milder mood shifts that don't meet diagnostic criteria for SAD. Symptoms may include slight lethargy and lower mood that resolves without clinical intervention. Differentiating helps determine if professional treatment is needed.
In winter SAD, overproduction of which hormone can contribute to increased sleepiness?
Cortisol
Adrenaline
Dopamine
Melatonin
Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and is produced in darkness. In SAD, longer nights can cause excess melatonin, leading to increased sleepiness and lethargy. Light therapy helps suppress melatonin production at the right times.
Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in mood regulation in SAD?
GABA
Dopamine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood stabilization, and reduced serotonin activity has been observed in SAD patients. Light therapy can increase serotonin levels by influencing retinal pathways. Targeting serotonin is common in pharmacotherapy for SAD.
Disruption of which internal process contributes to the development of SAD?
Immune response
Metabolic rate
Circadian rhythms
Pain threshold
Circadian rhythms regulate sleep-wake cycles and hormonal release. In SAD, reduced daylight disrupts these rhythms, leading to mood disturbances. Restoring proper timing with light therapy is a cornerstone of treatment.
What is the optimal time of day to administer light therapy for SAD?
Night
Evening
Morning
Noon
Morning light therapy helps advance the circadian phase, improving alertness and mood throughout the day. Evening sessions can delay the rhythm and worsen symptoms. Consistency in timing is important for efficacy.
Which type of psychotherapy has been shown effective in treating SAD?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Gestalt therapy
Psychoanalysis
Hypnotherapy
CBT tailored for SAD focuses on restructuring negative thoughts and increasing engagement in enjoyable activities during winter. Studies show CBT-SAD can be as effective as light therapy with longer-lasting benefits. Combining approaches may yield additive effects.
Which class of medication is most commonly prescribed for seasonal affective disorder?
Beta-blockers
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Benzodiazepines
MAO inhibitors
SSRIs help increase serotonin levels, alleviating depressive symptoms in SAD. Fluoxetine and sertraline are commonly used. They are often prescribed in fall to preempt winter onset.
Regular engagement in which activity can help alleviate SAD symptoms?
Meditation only
Physical exercise
Sleep restriction
Dieting only
Physical exercise boosts endorphins and can help regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. Outdoor activities also increase exposure to natural light. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
What intensity of light (in lux) is recommended for effective light therapy in SAD?
2,500 lux
20,000 lux
10,000 lux
500 lux
Clinical guidelines suggest using a 10,000-lux light box for about 20 - 30 minutes each morning. Lower intensities require longer exposure times. Ensuring correct lux is key to symptom improvement.
Light therapy primarily targets which retinal cells to influence circadian rhythms?
Horizontal cells
Rods
Cones
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells contain melanopsin and send light information directly to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. They play a critical role in entraining the circadian clock. Rods and cones detect vision but are less involved in circadian regulation.
What device is used to mimic a natural sunrise by gradually increasing light intensity?
Bright-room lamp
Dawn simulator
SAD blanket
Phototherapy visor
A dawn simulator gradually increases light in the bedroom to mimic sunrise, helping reset circadian rhythms. It can improve mood and morning alertness without requiring a bright light box session. It is an adjunct or alternative for those sensitive to bright light.
According to the phase-shift hypothesis, SAD patients typically show what circadian alteration?
Phase delay
Random shift
No shift
Phase advance
Many individuals with winter SAD exhibit a delayed circadian phase, meaning their internal clock runs later relative to the day-night cycle. Light therapy in the morning helps shift the rhythm earlier to align with daytime hours. This correction can alleviate depressive symptoms.
Which neurotrophic factor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of SAD?
PDGF
EGF
Nerve growth factor (NGF)
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
BDNF supports neuronal survival and plasticity, and lower levels have been observed in SAD patients. Seasonal variations in BDNF may relate to mood regulation and response to light therapy. Research suggests light exposure can increase BDNF expression.
Which medication is FDA-approved for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder?
Sertraline
Mirtazapine
Fluoxetine
Bupropion XL
Bupropion XL is the only antidepressant specifically approved by the FDA for preventing SAD episodes when started in autumn. It works on norepinephrine and dopamine pathways. Other antidepressants are used off-label for SAD.
What proportion of SAD patients typically respond positively to light therapy?
40 - 50%
20 - 30%
60 - 80%
90 - 100%
Clinical studies report that about 60 - 80% of patients with SAD experience significant improvement with properly administered light therapy. Response rates can vary based on timing, intensity, and individual factors. This high efficacy makes it a first-line treatment.
Which type of light spectrum has been shown to be most effective in treating SAD?
Blue-enriched white light
Red-enriched light
Green light
UV light
Blue wavelengths more strongly influence ipRGCs and melatonin suppression, making blue-enriched white light highly effective in treating SAD. Many light boxes now incorporate blue-enriched LEDs. Safety guidelines recommend filtering out UV radiation.
Combining cognitive-behavioral therapy with light therapy yields better outcomes than light therapy alone, true or false?
True
False
Studies show that combining CBT-SAD with light therapy provides greater and more sustained symptom relief compared to either treatment alone. The dual approach addresses both biological and cognitive-behavioral aspects of SAD. Patients often report improved coping skills and mood stability.
Which genetic polymorphism has been associated with increased risk of SAD?
Val66Met BDNF polymorphism
Long (L) allele of the 5-HTTLPR
COMT Val158Met variant
Short (S) allele of the 5-HTTLPR
Research indicates that the short (S) allele variant of the serotonin transporter gene promoter (5-HTTLPR) is linked to increased vulnerability to SAD. This polymorphism can reduce serotonin transporter expression, affecting mood regulation under low-light conditions. Genetic factors interact with environmental triggers in SAD.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Seasonal Depression Symptoms -

    Identify and describe common signs of seasonal affective disorder to recognize when you might be experiencing winter blues.

  2. Differentiate Seasonal Affective Disorder -

    Distinguish seasonal depression from other mood fluctuations by learning the specific patterns and timing of SAD.

  3. Identify Personal Triggers -

    Analyze your habits and environmental factors to pinpoint individual triggers for your winter mood changes.

  4. Apply Coping Strategies -

    Learn practical tips and techniques, such as light therapy and lifestyle adjustments, to proactively combat winter blues.

  5. Interpret Quiz Results -

    Evaluate your seasonal depression quiz score to understand your risk level and plan potential next steps for support.

Cheat Sheet

  1. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for SAD -

    Seasonal affective disorder is defined in the DSM-5 as ≥2 consecutive winters of major depressive episodes with full remission in other seasons and no other climate patterns. Clinicians often use these criteria in a seasonal depression disorder test to distinguish SAD from non-seasonal depression. Remember: consistency across years is key for accurate screening.

  2. Mnemonic "S.A.D." for Core Symptoms -

    Use "Sleep, Appetite, Depressed mood" to recall the three hallmark changes in SAD: hypersomnia or insomnia, carb cravings/weight gain, and persistent low mood. An easy trick is "Snow Affects Disposition" to cement the link to winter blues. Spotting these early helps you ace any seasonal depression quiz.

  3. Role of Serotonin and Melatonin -

    Reduced daylight can disrupt serotonin (5-HT) production and boost melatonin release, leading to fatigue and low mood (Harvard Health). Think of serotonin as your "happy neurotransmitter" and melatonin as your "sleep signal" - both must be balanced for seasonal well-being. This biological insight underpins many SAD treatment protocols.

  4. Validated Screening Tools -

    Self-report instruments like the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) or the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression - Seasonal Affective Disorder Version (SIGH-SAD) are gold standards. A sample SPAQ question: "Do you experience a change in energy levels during winter months?" Using these tools turns "Do I have seasonal depression?" quizzes into reliable assessments.

  5. Evidence-Based Coping Strategies -

    Light therapy (10,000 lux for 20 - 30 minutes each morning), cognitive behavioral therapy for SAD (CBT-SAD), and regular aerobic exercise all show strong efficacy in peer-reviewed trials (Mayo Clinic). For instance, a daily walk combined with a 30-minute light box session can boost mood by 50% in 4 - 6 weeks. Consistency is your best defense against the winter blues.

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