Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. It is typically associated with being more depressed during the fall and winter seasons, or when the days become shorter and the hours of daylight are reduced.
SAD is a medical condition where a person experiences a pronounced decline in mood or feeling of hopelessness or helplessness that continues for at least two weeks. It can also be accompanied by other depression symptoms including fatigue, loss of interest in activities, insomnia, problems concentrating, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Some people can also experience cravings for or reliance on carbohydrates.
Types of SAD
There are two main types of SAD, Winter Type and Summer Type. Winter Type SAD is the most common and includes feeling more depressed, lethargic, and irritable during the winter months. It's associated with a decrease in serotonin levels and an increase in melatonin levels, which can interfere with the body's internal sense of space and time.
Summer Type SAD is less common and is associated with feeling more depressed, anxious, and stressed during the summer months. People may experience cravings for foods or substances, changes in appetite or weight, insomnia, and social withdrawal.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for SAD include a family history of depression, living in an area with fewer hours of sunlight, having a low socioeconomic status, and having seasonal allergies.
- Female gender
- Young adult age
- Lack of physical activity
- Weight gain
- Living away from family
- Lack of motivation
Treatment for SAD
The most common treatment for SAD is light therapy, which involves exposing the individual to artificial light for a specific period of time each day. This has been found to be effective in alleviating symptoms. Other treatments for SAD can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressant medications, and phototherapy.