All About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Dr.Sneha Sharma, 2 mins read

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression or flunk, is a type of mood disorder that happens every year during certain seasons. It often starts in winter or fall and ends in spring or early summer. In some people, it begins in spring or early summer and ends in fall or winter.

During this time, you may typically feel low. But don’t ignore it. Take steps and consult a doctor for help.

Symptoms

The symptoms usually start mild and then gradually become severe as the season progresses. You may experience:

• Low mood for nearly the whole day
• Loss of interest in activities you generally enjoy
• Weakness
• Irritation
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain or loss
• Guilt, hopeless, or worthless
• Carbohydrates craving
• Sleeping problems or oversleeping
• Concentration problem

Causes

There is no exact cause known of seasonal affective disorder. However, some risk factors are believed to raise the risk of this condition. This includes:

An imbalance in serotonin, melatonin, and vitamin D levels
Family history
Depression
Bipolar disorder – a chronic mood disorder that causes continuous mood shifts

Who Is At Risk?

The risk generally increases with age. People less than 20 years of age are rarely affected by this condition. Women are more vulnerable than men. Those with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk.

Diagnosis

Seasonal affective disorder is difficult to diagnose because it causes symptoms like other diseases. Therefore, doctors suggest a physical exam, lab tests (like blood and thyroid tests), and psychological evaluation.

Psychological evaluation includes analysis of symptoms, thoughts, behaviour, and feelings. You may need to fill out a questionnaire to help the doctor know about your health.

Treatment

Seasonal affective disorder is typically treated with a combination of medications, light therapy, and psychotherapy.

Medications: Some people benefit from antidepressants. You may be prescribed treatment a couple of days before your symptoms normally appear. You need to take the treatment beyond the time your symptoms usually go away. If you have any other condition like bipolar disorder, discuss it with your doctor.

Light therapy: Also known as phototherapy, it’s just like a natural morning light. It is typically recommended for those who suffer in the fall season. You’ll be asked to sit a few steps away from a light source that will expose you to bright light. This is believed to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.

Psychotherapy: You'll be advised a ‘talk therapy’, where you will be taught stress management techniques, physical & meaningful activities, and healthy behaviours, to cope with mood shifts.