Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, generally in the fall and winter months when days are shorter, and nights are longer. Although some may feel a bit down during this period and experience the “winter blues”, SAD is a more severe condition that can significantly affect daily life making people feel sad, depressed, and tired.
Symptoms
SAD symptoms can vary from one person to another. However, in most cases, they are similar to major depression and appear and disappear at about the same time each year.
The major symptom is a sad, despairing feeling that occurs most days and lasts a major part of the day for periods exceeding two weeks. It affects a person’s performance at work, school, or college, as well as their social life.
Other symptoms include:
- Low energy levels and general listlessness
- Disrupted sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in favorite activities and hobbies
- Increased appetite (often craving carbohydrates)
- Social isolation.
Causes
In colder seasons, the duration of daylight decreases, which can disturb the body's internal clock and cause feelings of sadness or hopelessness due to a disrupted circadian rhythm.
Sunlight plays a role in regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that impacts our mood. Reduced sunlight exposure may lower serotonin levels, potentially leading to depressive episodes.
Another consequence of these seasonal circumstances is increased melatonin production in the body, which can impact our sleep patterns and mood.
Risk factors
Seasonal affective disorder is more common in women than in men and occurs more frequently in younger adults than in older adults.
Other factors contributing to SAD include the following:
- Living far away from the equator in the northern or southern hemispheres.
- A family history involving SAD, other forms of depression, or bipolar disorder.
- Low vitamin D levels, which can occur with reduced exposure to sunlight. Especially when not receiving enough vitamin D from food and other sources as this is known to increase serotonin activity.
Diagnosis & Treatment
SAD is best diagnosed by a healthcare professional who will conduct a thorough evaluation based on a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination and/or tests to rule out other pathologies. Filling out a questionnaire can also be requested to check whether SAD criteria are met.
Various effective treatment options are available:
- Improving lifestyle habits such as getting regular exercise, going outside to enjoy natural sunlight, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging with others can help improve mood and boost energy levels.
- Light therapy is used to reproduce natural sunlight with a special light box. It is usually recommended for about 20 to 30 minutes each morning.
- Psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is very effective in treating SAD as it helps modify negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
- Medication such as antidepressants can also help regulate mood swings. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proved to provide very good results.
Conclusion
Seasonal Affective Disorder may seem to be a difficult condition to diagnose as, at first, it can be mistaken for the “winter blues”. However, with the help of a healthcare professional, SAD can be identified and treated early on which will help prevent complications.
Once you understand SAD and have determined at what time of year it may occur, it will be easier to manage the symptoms, implement an effective treatment plan, and adapt your lifestyle accordingly.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board