Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that can debilitate a person to the point that they are unable to function properly. It is a type of depression that is directly related to the winter months when there are more hours of darkness. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, it normally begins when the days become shorter and the evenings longer. This is generally around the time that Daylight Savings Time comes to an end, however, it can begin in the early winter as well. Symptoms continue throughout the winter and taper off in the spring, typically when days, and daylight, are longer, which is around the start of Daylight Savings Time. People who are diagnosed with SAD will have experienced symptoms at the same time of year for at minimum two consecutive years. Often it is mistaken with the so-called "winter blues," however, SAD is a much more intense and serious condition that requires medical intervention.
People with SAD experience symptoms that start mildly and increase in intensity as the season progresses. Symptoms include almost daily feelings of depression, decreased energy, lack of interest, and agitation. People may also suffer from feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and have thoughts of committing suicide. Because most cases of SAD occur in the winter, people may notice a change in their appetite. This change finds them craving more carbohydrates and they may experience weight gain. In addition, people with winter SAD may also find themselves oversleeping yet still feeling tired and lacking energy. Less often, there are people who experience spring or summer-onset SAD. This is known as summer depression and it is believed to be associated with longer days and higher temperatures. Symptoms associated with summer depression find people lacking an appetite, losing weight, and having difficulty sleeping. When people are not properly treated for SAD, regardless of the season, they may experience a marked increase in their symptoms. A person may begin to withdraw from social interactions and may begin to have problems such as increased absenteeism at work or at school. They may even begin to experience increased anxiety or additional mental health disorders. The risk of self-harm may also increase and the person may be at risk for suicidal behaviors and thoughts.
People who are at greatest risk of winter SAD are women and younger adults, but both men and older adults can be diagnosed with it as well. Causes include changes in one's melatonin levels, a decrease in their serotonin, which affects mood levels, or a disruption in one's circadian rhythm, which is a person's internal clock. An individual's chances of developing SAD increases if there is a family history or if they currently suffer from depression. The distance from the equator may also increase the risk of developing this mood disorder. It is more common in individuals who live further from the equator to the north or south.
Causes and Effects
People with SAD experience symptoms that start mildly and increase in intensity as the season progresses. Symptoms include almost daily feelings of depression, decreased energy, lack of interest, and agitation. People may also suffer from feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and have thoughts of committing suicide. Because most cases of SAD occur in the winter, people may notice a change in their appetite. This change finds them craving more carbohydrates and they may experience weight gain. In addition, people with winter SAD may also find themselves oversleeping yet still feeling tired and lacking energy. Less often, there are people who experience spring or summer-onset SAD. This is known as summer depression and it is believed to be associated with longer days and higher temperatures. Symptoms associated with summer depression find people lacking an appetite, losing weight, and having difficulty sleeping. When people are not properly treated for SAD, regardless of the season, they may experience a marked increase in their symptoms. A person may begin to withdraw from social interactions and may begin to have problems such as increased absenteeism at work or at school. They may even begin to experience increased anxiety or additional mental health disorders. The risk of self-harm may also increase and the person may be at risk for suicidal behaviors and thoughts.
People who are at greatest risk of winter SAD are women and younger adults, but both men and older adults can be diagnosed with it as well. Causes include changes in one's melatonin levels, a decrease in their serotonin, which affects mood levels, or a disruption in one's circadian rhythm, which is a person's internal clock. An individual's chances of developing SAD increases if there is a family history or if they currently suffer from depression. The distance from the equator may also increase the risk of developing this mood disorder. It is more common in individuals who live further from the equator to the north or south.
Causes and Effects
- What Causes SAD?
- Eastern Washington University: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment
- The Science Of SAD: Understanding The Causes Of 'Winter Depression'
- Ten Things You Didn't Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Recognizing and Treating the Winter Blues
- What Are The Causes Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- MedBroadcast: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder Causes
- S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Or Winter Depression (PDF)
Symptoms And Signs
- Medline Plus: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Family Doctor: Symptoms of SAD
- Signs and Symptoms
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Symptoms and Treatment
- Psychology Today: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- NHS: Symptoms of SAD
- TeensHealth: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- What Are The Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- American Psychological Association: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Darkened Room
Average Length Of Depression
- Diseases and Conditions: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- A SAD Story: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Checkup on Health: Go Outside to Cure the Winter Blues
- Beyond the Winter Blues: Five Things to Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Seasonal Depression
- Express Information Library: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Fighting the Winter Blues: You Are Not Alone
- Depression, Mood Disorders
- End of Daylight Savings Time Can Kick Off Seasonal Affective Disorder (Video)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: It's More Than Just the Winter Blues (Video)
Who Is More Commonly Affected By It
- Who Develops Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- Who Is At Risk For SAD?
- Regis College: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- What Are the Risk Factors?
- Those At Risk
- About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder Is More Than The Winter Blues
- Serendip: Seasonal Depression
- Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, Seasonal Depression)
Article written by Lexi Westingate
