Posted: June 14th, 2023

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually in the winter. Symptoms of SAD can include:

Feeling sad, anxious, or irritable
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or increased energy
Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased)
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes of SAD

The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

Genetics: People who have a family history of SAD are more likely to develop the disorder.
Seasonal changes in sunlight: SAD is more common in people who live in areas with less sunlight during the winter months.
Changes in melatonin production: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. People with SAD may produce more melatonin in the winter, which can lead to sleep problems and fatigue.
Changes in serotonin levels: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. People with SAD may have lower levels of serotonin in the winter.

Diagnosis of SAD

SAD is diagnosed by a doctor or mental health professional. There is no single test for SAD, but doctors will typically ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other medical conditions.

Treatment for SAD

There are a number of effective treatments for SAD, including:

Light therapy: Light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD. It involves sitting in front of a special light box for 30 minutes to an hour each day.
Medication: Antidepressants can be effective in treating SAD. However, they may take several weeks to start working.
Talk therapy: Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help people with SAD learn how to manage their symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help reduce the symptoms of SAD, such as:
Getting regular exercise
Eating a healthy diet
Getting enough sleep
Spending time outdoors
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

Conclusion

SAD is a treatable condition. If you think you may have SAD, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional. With treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a full and productive life.

References
Kalelkar, R., Xu, Q. and Chen, L., 2023. Seasonal affective disorder and audit quality. International Journal of Auditing.
Meesters, Alie NR, Maya J. Schroevers, Roy E. Stewart, Joke Fleer, and Ybe Meesters. “Seasonal patterns in mindfulness in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).” Journal of Affective Disorders Reports 8 (2022): 100341.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Levitan, R.D., 2022. The chronobiology and neurobiology of winter seasonal affective disorder. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience.
Glover, D., & Rubinow, D. R. (2016). Seasonal affective disorder. In D. J. Kupfer & M. B. First (Eds.), Textbook of mood disorders (pp. 345-360). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Lam, R. W., Levitan, R. D., & Rosenthal, N. E. (2018). Seasonal affective disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(2), 146-155.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml