Winter months can leave most students longing for brighter days, but if a person's feelings of darkness and depression persist, it could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

"SAD is a form of depression that occurs primarily in winter months and recurs each year starting in the fall and winter and ending in spring," Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), wrote in an e-mail message.

About 4 to 5 percent of students are affected by depressive symptoms related to a decrease in light intensity during the winter months, Knapp said.

"Excessive sleep, general sluggishness, increased appetite and weight gain are particularly common features of SAD," Knapp said.

According to a Penn State Erie fact sheet, young people and women are at the highest risk for developing SAD.

College freshmen with a history of seasonal depression are also at a higher risk for developing the disorder because of the changes experienced during the first year of college. A physical move to a college that may be in a different climate, an increased amount of stress and a lack of early morning sunlight may result in the development of symptoms related to SAD.

Most students said they experienced some depressing feelings during the long winter months.

"If it's a sunny day, I'll get up in the morning, but if it's gloomy, I'll stay in bed," said Sarah Koch (freshman-division of undergraduate studies). "When it's dark outside all the time, it seems gloomier," she said.

Stevie Clark (freshman-advertising) said the winter months make everyone seem less friendly.

"Walking to class when it's warm outside, everyone will slow down and mingle, but when it's cold, everyone just beelines to class," she said.

However, simply experiencing a few miserable feelings during winter doesn't equal the full-blown disorder, Knapp said.

"Many people will feel a little more sluggish or irritable but are able to compensate so that it doesn't interfere with mood or functioning. Self-help strategies include exercise, increased exposure to light and planning activities that are fun and energizing," she wrote.

Students who think they might have SAD are encouraged to seek treatment.

"Common treatments include psychotherapy, behavioral adaptations and medications such as antidepressants and light therapy," Knapp wrote.

According to Mental Health America, light therapy has been shown to be effective in up to 85 percent of diagnosed cases. Patients remain in light up to 10 times the intensity of normal domestic lighting for up to four hours a day, according to the Web site www.nmha.org.

"In more severe cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder, antidepressant medication is indicated and can be used in conjunction with light therapy," Victoria Stout, CAPS psychiatrist, wrote in an e-mail message.

Students concerned about SAD or other emotional issues can explore services at the CAPS clinic in 221 Ritenour, Knapp wrote.