Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also referred to as winter depression, is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter and sunlight is limited. A person generally begins to feel signs or symptoms of SAD in the fall and the symptoms continue, or worsen, throughout the winter. Symptoms of SAD usually end in the spring.
For some people, SAD is a serious disorder and shouldn’t be ignored or brushed off as the winter blues. Treatments are available to help people suffering from SAD to feel better throughout all of the seasons.
Signs and Symptoms of SAD
Symptoms of SAD can be mild to severe, depending upon the person. According to the article "Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)" published on MayoClinc.com, the common symptoms of SAD include:
- Depression
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Withdrawing socially
- Energy loss
- Weight gain due to increase in appetite and cravings for high carbohydrate foods
- Sleeping more than usual
- Concentration problems
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
In severe cases of SAD, symptoms become much worse. Thoughts of suicide, problems at work or school and alcohol or substance abuse can occur. If a person is experiencing severe symptoms, he should see a doctor immediately for treatment advice.
Causes of SAD
The causes of SAD are linked to many different factors and are dependent upon each individual person’s genetics, health conditions and living environment. Three factors that may be involved in a person acquiring SAD are:
- Low Serotonin Levels – Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood, can drop to lower levels due to decreased sunlight in winter. This drop in serotonin causes a person's mood to change and depression to set in.
- Low Melatonin Levels – The change in seasons can affect the levels of the hormone melatonin in the system. Melatonin plays a part in sleep levels and mood, and too low of levels of melatonin causes a person to feel tired and depressed. According to theUniversity of Maryland Medical Center, studies have shown that having the proper amount of melatonin in the system helps serotonin to surge and alleviate feelings of depression.
- Disrupted Biological Clock – A person's internal clock can be disrupted by the change of seasons, especially in winter when the days grow shorter and there is less sunlight. This disruption in the biological clock can lead to mood changes and depression.
Who is at the Highest Risk of Developing SAD?
Women are diagnosed with SAD more often than men but men who are diagnosed have shown to experience more severe symptoms than women. People with a family history of depression, anxiety disorder or bi-polar disorder are more likely to experience SAD than people who don’t.
Also, people who live very far north or far south of the equator seem to be at greater risk of developing SAD due to the shorter days and limited sunlight in the winter. However, anyone can develop symptoms of SAD and should take these symptoms seriously.
When to See a Doctor for SAD
People who have mild to moderate symptoms of SAD may be able to alleviate these symptoms by changing their diet, altering their sleep routine or adding exercise to their daily schedule. Adding additional light to their home or work space or spending more time outside can also reduce the symptoms of SAD. However, if a person has thoughts of suicide, sleep disruptions, trouble concentrating at work or is abusing drugs or alcohol to deal with the depression, it is time to visit a doctor. There are treatments available for SAD that can help a person deal with the disorder and feel better again.
SAD is a serious disorder and people who experience symptoms of SAD should take it seriously. By visiting a doctor for a proper diagnosis and setting up a treatment plan, people who suffer from SAD can feel good through all seasons of the year.
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
