Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression also commonly known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. People with SAD experience frequent mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. Seasonal depression typically occurs when the seasons are changing and is most prevalent during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. While there have been documented cases of SAD in the summer, it is much less common during that period.
A lot of us are affected by seasonal changes. Whether by a case of the flu or fever, majority of the people do experience problems during this period. It is quite normal to feel more cheerful and energetic when the sun is shining and the days are longer, or to find that you eat more or sleep longer in winter. But if a person is suffering from SAD, all the changes in season throughout the year will have a more adverse effect on mood and energy levels of the person.
Studies have shown that 4 out of 5 people who experience seasonal depression are women. Onset of this disorder is usually between the ages of 20 and 30 but symptoms presenting itself earlier have been recorded.
What causes this?
As humans, it is only natural that many of us experience a decrease in energy levels during the colder season which can be directly correlated to the shorter days and the decreased sunlight during the period. The decreased levels of daylight affect a person�s serotonin (a neurotransmitter affecting mood) levels which may trigger depression. The shorter days also cause an imbalance in the melatonin levels of the body, a hormone which regulates the sleep-wake cycles of the body, which can cause the disorder as well.
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, has also been linked to seasonal depression.�This hormone, which can affect sleep patterns and mood�is produced at increased levels in the dark.�Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases drastically. Melatonin levels can also affect an individual�s circadian rhythm, or popularly known as the �biological�clock�,�resulting in��internal clocks� being out of sync with �external clocks�, or the usual sleep/wake rhythms. This can result in some of the symptoms associated with seasonal depression.
Any person in the family who has suffered in the past with this disorder, chances are future generations are more at risk to this disorder. SAD appears to be more common among the people who live farther north or south of the equator. This may be due to decreased sunlight during the winter and longer days during the summer months.
What are its symptoms?
Symptoms of seasonal depression and those that of regular depression are very much similar. Often times it can be hard to diagnose a person with SAD as he/she will emit symptoms that of regular depression. Though some symptoms of seasonal depression do stand out. Increased appetite, excessive sleep and irregular weight gain.
People experiencing seasonal affective disorder during the summer showcase a different set of symptoms. Insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss are common with those experiencing summer seasonal depressions.
Some of the major symptoms showcased by SAD patients are listed below:
How can it be treated?
While symptoms for SAD usually fade away once the season changes, there are a number of effective ways that SAD can be treated.
Light Therapy:
Also called phototherapy or bright light therapy has shown to reduce or suppress the production of melatonin in the brain. It involves the patient sitting in front of a light therapy box for up to 20 minutes which emits a very powerful bright light. This treatment method is usually done the first thing in the morning. Improvements in their conditions are noticed within a week or two and this treatment is continued throughout the particular season to avoid any chances of relapse.
Medications:
Like any other disorders, medicines play a vital role in treating seasonal depression and should not be avoided unless advised otherwise. Antidepressants may help prevent episodes of depression. Antidepressants take quite some time to fully be effective and there are many antidepressants out there so find the one that works for you. It is important to consult your doctor before going on any medications.
Psychotherapy
Commonly referred to as talk therapy is another very effective treatment of SAD. A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly helpful. This therapy helps you identify or pin point the negative thought clouding your brain and help change that. Healthy ways of coping with SAD and learning to manage your stress and anxiety are also covered in this treatment.
Other relaxation techniques like meditation, art or music therapy have also shown to be helpful. While this disorder sounds not too complicated or serious, it can be life threatening like any form of major depressive disorders. This still is a depressive disorder and should be taken seriously. Those suffering from it need support from the people around them as well.
Anyone showing symptoms of SAD should seek the help of a medical professional. Like other forms of depression, ensuring none other medical condition are causing the symptoms to appear. SAD can easily be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections, so proper evaluation is key. A mental health professional can diagnose the condition and discuss therapy options. It is highly advised that you do not diagnose yourself or someone else with the disorder without consulting a medical professional. With the right treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
Studies have shown that 4 out of 5 people who experience seasonal depression are women. Onset of this disorder is usually between the ages of 20 and 30 but symptoms presenting itself earlier have been recorded.
What causes this?
As humans, it is only natural that many of us experience a decrease in energy levels during the colder season which can be directly correlated to the shorter days and the decreased sunlight during the period. The decreased levels of daylight affect a person�s serotonin (a neurotransmitter affecting mood) levels which may trigger depression. The shorter days also cause an imbalance in the melatonin levels of the body, a hormone which regulates the sleep-wake cycles of the body, which can cause the disorder as well.
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, has also been linked to seasonal depression.�This hormone, which can affect sleep patterns and mood�is produced at increased levels in the dark.�Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases drastically. Melatonin levels can also affect an individual�s circadian rhythm, or popularly known as the �biological�clock�,�resulting in��internal clocks� being out of sync with �external clocks�, or the usual sleep/wake rhythms. This can result in some of the symptoms associated with seasonal depression.
Any person in the family who has suffered in the past with this disorder, chances are future generations are more at risk to this disorder. SAD appears to be more common among the people who live farther north or south of the equator. This may be due to decreased sunlight during the winter and longer days during the summer months.
What are its symptoms?
Symptoms of seasonal depression and those that of regular depression are very much similar. Often times it can be hard to diagnose a person with SAD as he/she will emit symptoms that of regular depression. Though some symptoms of seasonal depression do stand out. Increased appetite, excessive sleep and irregular weight gain.
People experiencing seasonal affective disorder during the summer showcase a different set of symptoms. Insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss are common with those experiencing summer seasonal depressions.
Some of the major symptoms showcased by SAD patients are listed below:
- Feelings of guilt and misery, loss of self-esteem and constant feelings of sadness
- Social withdrawal
- Noticeable loss of interests in activities which once enjoyable, lethargy takes over their body
- Significant increase in appetite resulting in weight gain. Lots of cravings for carbohydrates
- Change in the amount of sleep needed. People with SAD sleep for longer periods of time and find difficulty in staying awake
- Extreme and frequent mood swings
- Sexual problems also become more frequent as physical contact disinterests them
How can it be treated?
While symptoms for SAD usually fade away once the season changes, there are a number of effective ways that SAD can be treated.
Light Therapy:
Also called phototherapy or bright light therapy has shown to reduce or suppress the production of melatonin in the brain. It involves the patient sitting in front of a light therapy box for up to 20 minutes which emits a very powerful bright light. This treatment method is usually done the first thing in the morning. Improvements in their conditions are noticed within a week or two and this treatment is continued throughout the particular season to avoid any chances of relapse.
Medications:
Like any other disorders, medicines play a vital role in treating seasonal depression and should not be avoided unless advised otherwise. Antidepressants may help prevent episodes of depression. Antidepressants take quite some time to fully be effective and there are many antidepressants out there so find the one that works for you. It is important to consult your doctor before going on any medications.
Psychotherapy
Commonly referred to as talk therapy is another very effective treatment of SAD. A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly helpful. This therapy helps you identify or pin point the negative thought clouding your brain and help change that. Healthy ways of coping with SAD and learning to manage your stress and anxiety are also covered in this treatment.
Other relaxation techniques like meditation, art or music therapy have also shown to be helpful. While this disorder sounds not too complicated or serious, it can be life threatening like any form of major depressive disorders. This still is a depressive disorder and should be taken seriously. Those suffering from it need support from the people around them as well.
Anyone showing symptoms of SAD should seek the help of a medical professional. Like other forms of depression, ensuring none other medical condition are causing the symptoms to appear. SAD can easily be misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections, so proper evaluation is key. A mental health professional can diagnose the condition and discuss therapy options. It is highly advised that you do not diagnose yourself or someone else with the disorder without consulting a medical professional. With the right treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
