Seasonal affective disorder is an emotional disorder that usually occurs with the onset of winter; it's very common among adolescents and affects women more than men. Medical studies showed that this emotional disorder is associated with weather changes, which lead to:

• Disturbed circadian rhythm (biological clock) due to decreased exposure to sunlight.
• Decreased production of serotonin & melatonin hormones, which play an important role in regulation of the biological clock as well as improving mood and mental state.

Seasonal affective disorder is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Cravings to eat large amount of foods rich in sugars and fats.
• Cravings to sleep for long duration.
• Marked obesity within a short time.
• A tendency to isolation and introverted.
• Continuous fatigue and lack of concentration.
• Mysterious feeling of sadness.
• Menstrual disturbances in women.

Management of seasonal affective disorder includes the following:

• Light therapy: the patient is exposed to a light with a certain wavelength that resembles usual sunlight for 30-60 minutes, 3 times weekly. Light therapy helps in increasing production of serotonin and melatonin hormones, which in turn helps in elimination of seasonal affective disorder.
• Anti-depressants: it should be used under specialized medical supervision to avoid any possible side effects.
• Following a diet plan consists mainly of foods rich in vitamin D & natural serotonin such as; avocado, dates, plum, peach, banana, pineapple, tomatoes, egg, fish, lean red meat and skimmed dairy products. On the other side, foods rich in fats and simple sugars should be restricted.