COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the "winter blues," doesn't just impact adults.

It's estimated that 10-20% of children and adolescents can develop symptoms of SAD as winter begins and even worsen as the season progresses, according to researchers with Children's National Hospital.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that appears at the same time each year.

"Some signs are irritability, changes in appetite, either eating a lot. I see my patients have a lot of comfort eating or losing it, like appetite, changes in sleep, sleeping too much or too little. Some behavioral issues, loss of interest in things that you routinely like, loss of energy," said Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic. "Parents should pay close attention to these changes, and the telltale sign is that it's predictable. Each and every winter, these behaviors settle in and they dissipate during the spring months."

Albers said for many parents, it can be challenging to understand what's going on with their child because symptoms differ from the one's adults with SAD may experience.

"Children may not express overt sadness with tears. It may be more observational in their behaviors, more irritability, changes in school, their concentrations or focus. They also may lack a lot of the natural coping skills that adults develop during the winter months or have the lack of ability to put it into words what they are experiencing. So it's really important for parents to be attentive, to pay attention to these symptoms, and if you aren't sure, talk with a professional who can help you piece apart what your child might be feeling," Albers said.

There are ways to treat SAD, Albers said.

"For example, a light therapy box. This is a light that you place on your table for 20 minutes in the morning and mimics the natural daylight on the outside. And this is important, because this is why we experience these olfactory disorders. We have access to that natural vitamin D that helps our mood and our sleep," said Albers.

In fact, sleep is one of the most important factors in preventing SAD.

"Nothing is more helpful for children than regulating their mood than getting adequate and enough sleep," said Albers. 

Additionally, Albers advises parents to encourage outdoor play, even when it's cold, in order to absorb some natural light.