Written By: Dr. Joao De Quevedo
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It is a mood-related condition that affects almost 5% of the U.S. population annually and the symptoms can be present for almost half of the year. Even though it’s limited to certain seasons, the depressive symptoms can significantly impact a person’s life.
SAD is also known as “winter depression” because the depressive episodes commonly occur during the winter and autumn months, with a remission or improvement of symptoms in the spring and summer. SAD is closely linked to disturbances in our body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and sleep patterns, particularly due to changes in natural light.
In summary, SAD is more than just “winter blues.” It’s a clinically recognized type of depression with specific symptoms and patterns, mainly occurring in the colder, darker months and improving in the lighter, warmer months. But, some people with SAD can too have some symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.
Symptoms
People with SAD can have symptoms like guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, which can significantly impact daily functioning. This struggle is compounded by a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, a common symptom of depressive disorders.
Physical symptoms also manifest, such as decreased energy, fatigue, or a feeling of being slowed down. These physical changes are often accompanied by cognitive challenges, like difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Changes in sleep patterns or appetite are common, and unplanned weight changes can happen. Some people may experience physical aches or pains or digestive problems that do not have a clear cause and do not improve with the treatment as usual.
In more severe cases, there can be thoughts of death or suicide, or even suicide attempts.
Treatment
Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) not only helps to improve current symptoms but it also helps to prevent upcoming autumn and winter seasons. Light therapy is a possibility of treatment method, and many patients show clinical improvement within the first one to two weeks of starting the therapy.
Other forms of treatment include pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, both of which have shown evidence of effectiveness in treating and preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
REFERENCES
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Kurlansik SL, Ibay AD. Seasonal affective disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Dec 1;86(11):1037-41. PMID: 23198671.
Seasonal Affective Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Available in: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder. United Kingdom National Health Service. Available in: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/symptoms/