Seasonal Affective Disorder Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a term used to describe episodes of depression that occur seasonally and recur. Apart from depression, SAD can also describe other affective complaints. For example mania or hypomania, which occurs seasonally.
Often, this condition appears in the months when sun exposure is reduced. For example in autumn or winter and getting better when spring arrives. However, this condition can also be found in the summer, where exposure to sunlight is quite a lot – although this case is quite rare.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder generally appear for the first time when they are 18–30 years old. However, the actual symptoms can appear at any age. Signs that are felt quite varied, from mild to severe.
However, generally the symptoms are similar to those of depression, including:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that are usually enjoyed
- Changes in appetite, generally eating more or wanting to eat carbohydrates
- Changes in sleep patterns, generally sleeping more
- Loss of energy or always feeling tired, even though you’ve had a lot of sleep
- Anxiety-related activities increase (eg hand gestures, pacing, etc.) or movement and speech become slower
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Thoughts about death or suicide or attempted suicide
Seasonal Affective Disorder Reason
The causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are not fully understood. It is estimated, there are various factors that contribute to the emergence of SAD. Some of them are psychological, genetic, and environmental factors.
Seasonal changes can lead to a lack of sun exposure, where the nights become longer and the days shorter. This can affect the human circadian rhythm which then affects the emergence of SAD. Furthermore, this deviation from the circadian rhythm can affect the production of the hormone melatonin in the body. This hormone affects sleep patterns and a person’s mood.
Genetic variation is thought to contribute to the emergence of SAD. Differences were found between genetics of sufferers of SAD and those who did not, especially in the 5-HTTLPR gene and the 5-HT2A gene.
Another opinion states that vitamin D deficiency also contributes to the emergence of SAD. Vitamin D also influences the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which has an influence on mood.
Several risk factors are thought to be associated with the emergence of SAD, including:
- Family history of SAD or depression
- Have major depression or bipolar disorder
- Location of residence far from the equator
Diagnosis
In general, a medical interview or history with a doctor can help determine the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Depressive symptoms in Seasonal Affective Disorder only appear at certain times each year. For example, it’s winter and will improve completely at another time, for example spring.
SAD can be considered if complaints of depression have appeared at least twice in the last two years.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder will generally get better on their own at the change of season. However, with appropriate treatment, symptoms can improve more quickly.
The therapy that is generally recommended is light therapy using bright light therapy (BLT). Often this therapy is given within an hour of waking in the morning for 30–90 minutes. As initial therapy, this can be done one to two times a week.
Furthermore, psychotherapy can be done. Generally, this is done through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Sufferers can also be given anti-depressants, such as SSRI ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ) drugs.