Autumnal asthenia and seasonal mood changes

The arrival of autumn, characterized by reduced daylight and seasonal time changes, can lead to a condition known as autumnal asthenia. Psychologist Jorge Lareo Otero explains that while not a formal disease, this phenomenon can increase the severity of existing anxious-depressive symptoms and lead to a rise in psychological consultations.

Symptoms of autumnal asthenia are primarily driven by alterations in sleep hygiene and include physical fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, emotional apathy, irritability, and cognitive difficulties such as lack of concentration. These effects can impact social, family, and professional environments.

Additionally, changes in season may influence dietary habits. While some individuals report increased hunger and cravings for fats and sugars during autumn, experts note that large-scale data does not show a uniform automatic increase in food consumption for the general population. Variations in energy intake are often influenced by individual behaviors, social factors, and the impact of light on neurotransmitters like serotonin.