Your Mental Health Nugget
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. Like most people with seasonal affective disorder, symptoms start in the fall and usually continue into the winter. More rarely, some individuals will experience depressive symptoms in the spring and or early summer.
Seasonal affective disorder isn't just a case of the "winter blues". It is a seasonal, cyclical condition. This means that the symptoms occur and then go away at the same time every year. Usually seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late or fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Symptoms may start out mild then become more severe as the season progresses without intervention.
Symptoms of fall and winter-onset seasonal affective disorder include:
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Social Withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Anhedonia or loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Difficulty focusing, concentrating or processing information
The exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is unknown. However, research has determined several factors that contribute to SAD. These include:
- Your biological clock (circadian rhythm) - Each of us has an internal clock that dictates when we should be awake or asleep. Reduced levels of sunlight in the fall and winter can disrupt this internal mechanism. The disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression.
- Melatonin levels - The natural hormone melatonin plays a major role in sleep patterns and mood. The change in season from summer to fall can disrupt the natural balance of melatonin.
- Serotonin levels - Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that affects mood and may play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin.
There are several factors that may increase an individual's risk of developing seasonal affective disorder. These include:
- Being female - Studies have shown that seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed more frequently in females than men. However, men may experience more severe symptoms.
- Family history - Like other types of depression, some studies have shown that individuals with seasonal affective disorder are more likely to have other family members who suffer from the condition.
- Distance from the equator - SAD appears to occur more often among individuals who live far north or far south of the equator. This may be due to the reduced sunlight in winter.
While generally not as serious as clinical depression, it's important to take the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. Like other types of depression, SAD can worsen and lead to problems if it's not treated. Some of the risks of untreated seasonal affective disorder can include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- School or work problems
- Substance abuse
Treatment can prevent complications, especially if seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed and treated before symptoms worsen. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can be effective in the treatment of SAD. Phototherapy or light therapy using a special light that mimics light from the sun can also be an effective form of treatment. In many cases, an individual's symptoms will improve on their own with the change of seasons.
If you notice a change in your mood with the onset of fall or winter, it may not be "just the winter blues." It may be time to talk with your health care professional to rule out seasonal affective disorder.
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Quotes To Ponder:
Ignorance and inconsideration are the two great causes of the ruin of mankind. - John Tillotson, 1630-1694.
Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience. - Hyman Rickover, 1900-1986
Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age. - Christopher Morley, 1890-1957
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