Diagnostics

Criteria for diagnosis: Many people know at least some of the symptoms listed above. This does not mean, however, that everyone has winter depression. Rather, the diagnostic criteria that must be met in order to make a diagnosis on the therapeutic side are: Five or more of the symptoms listed under 1 and 2 must be present continuously and must lead to a reduction in performance and functional level: In addition, the criteria include that the minimum duration of persistent symptoms is > 2 weeks and that the symptoms are not caused by a physical illness or the use of addictive substances.

Bipolar affective disorders (manic depression) must be distinguished from grief reactions, even if the depressive episodes show an identical picture. In addition, the predominant clinical picture can be described more precisely by assessing the degree of severity (mild, moderate, severe), the presence of physical or psychotic symptoms, melancholy and recurrent or seasonally dependent courses. In most cases, the degree of severity is “mild”.

There must be a temporal connection between the occurrence of the above symptoms and the season (autumn or winter).
After the end of the winter there must be no depressive symptoms.
Symptoms must occur for at least 2 consecutive years during the autumn or winter season
The general criteria for depression according to DSM-IV must be fulfilled. DSM-IV is a diagnostic guideline that is used primarily in English-speaking countries. The criteria in detail are:
Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
Reduced concentration and attention
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Negative and pessimistic future prospects
Sleep disorder, early awakening
Morning low, daily fluctuations in symptoms
Psychomotor inhibition or agitation
Reduced appetite, weight loss
Loss of libido, sexual indifference
Lack of reactions to positive things
Depressed mood or loss of interest or joy
And reduced self-esteem and self-confidence Reduced concentration and attention Guilt and feelings of worthlessness Negative and pessimistic future prospects Sleep disturbance, early awakening Morning depression, daytime fluctuations in symptoms Psychomotor inhibition or restlessness Reduced appetite, weight loss Loss of libido, sexual indifference Lack of reactions to pleasing things
Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
Reduced concentration and attention
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Negative and pessimistic future prospects
Sleep disorder, early awakening
Morning low, daily fluctuations in symptoms
Psychomotor inhibition or agitation
Reduced appetite, weight loss
Loss of libido, sexual indifference
Lack of reactions to positive things