What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) also known as seasonal depression is a type of depression that as the name suggests is related to the changing of seasons. People affected by SAD often experience the onset of symptoms at around the same time every year. Usually this onset occurs during fall or winter and is sometimes referred to as “the winter blues.” It should be noted, though less common that SAD can occur at any season and can result in “summer sadness.”

While it is easy to brush off these feelings since they usually improve on their own once the season is over it is important to take steps to keep your emotions and motivation even throughout the entire year.

Symptoms of SAD

Symptoms usually being in late fall or winter and become gradually worse, progressing from mild to severe. In early spring/summer when there is more sunlight the symptoms usually go away. As noted above the opposite can occur where symptoms are predominantly during the summer and disappear during the winter. Common Symptoms of SAD can include:

Feeling down, sad, or depressed most of the day

Not enjoying activities that used to be fun

Feeling low on energy

Having difficulty sleeping

Experiencing changes in appetite or weight

Having difficulty concentrating

Feeling lethargic or hyperactive

Feeling guilty or worthless

Having thoughts of suicide or death

Fall and Winter SAD Symptoms

Some symptoms are more common in the fall and winter SAD and may include:

Increase appetite and weight gain

Oversleeping

Low energy and fatigue

Some symptoms are more common in the spring and summer SAD and may include:

Poor appetite

Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Anxiety or hyperactivity

Causes

As with many illnesses the exact cause is not fully understood, but we do have know of several factors that are involved. Some of these factors are sunlight, vitamin D, melatonin, and serotonin, among others.

During the winter there are decreased levels of sunlight which is an important modulator of serotonin a neurotransmitter important for mood. People with SAD have difficulty regulating their serotonin levels when levels of sunlight are low. In addition our bodies need sunlight to produce vitamin D which also increases Serotonin activity.  In addition people with SAD seem to produce to much melatonin in the winter which disrupts circadian rhythms, sleep cycles, and ultimately serotonin regulation.

Treatment of SAD?

Treatment options for SAD are like that of other forms of depression in terms of medication and psychotherapy. Unique treatment options for SAD include light therapy using a very bright light for about 30 – 45 minutes a day and vitamin D supplementation.

My goal in the treatment of SAD is to help correct the underlying causes using available therapy such as light therapy, improve vitamin D levels, and provide medication as needed.