Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective disorder is a type of seasonal depression that is triggered by the change in seasons. Individuals with SAD typically notice a depression returning yearly around the same time of year; most likely beginning in the fall and lasting through the winter months. Although some individuals may develop SAD in the spring and early fall. SAD often saps your energy, makes you feel moody and irritable. 60-90% of individuals with SAD are female.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms include
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy
Having problems with sleeping
Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
Feeling sluggish or agitated
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Triggered by a change of season
Causes for Seasonal Affective Disorder
The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder are not fully known. Some factors that may contribute include:
Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.
Diagnosis and Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be diagnosed from a licensed medical professional including a mental health social worker or licensed professional counselor through an assessment process utilizing the DSM 5. One or several treatments may be helpful is controlling symptoms of SAD including light therapy, psychotherapy and medication management.