The Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

20 Nov, 2023

The recurring, seasonal pattern of depressive episodes typically initiates Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the fall or winter. Interestingly, some individuals experience an inverse phenomenon. They exhibit depressive symptoms that surface during summertime. Like depression characterized by feelings of sadness and reduced enjoyment along with persistent fatigue.

Winter SAD presents unique traits such as increased sleep (hypersomnia) and cravings for carbohydrates - a propensity towards social isolation reminiscent of hibernation is also common. Contrarily, Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - while fundamentally akin to clinical depression, personifies unique symptoms: restlessness, sleep difficulties, heightened anxiety, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

The emergence of these seasonal nuances emphasizes the complex correlation between environmental changes and mental health–demonstrating how mood disorders can impact humans throughout a year.

Whom does the risk of SAD exist?

Typically, a person develops Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in their early 20s. However, it can also occur in older children and teenagers. The risk for this disorder decreases with advancing age. Medical professionals most frequently diagnose young women with SAD.

Nevertheless, men afflicted by the condition may experience more severe symptoms. Individuals possessing a family history of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or residing in regions at northern latitudes, where winter daylight hours are notably shorter, face an elevated risk of developing SAD.

Common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include:

• A persistent low mood
• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Changes in sleep patterns - either experiencing an increased need for sleep or insomnia
• Appetite alterations often lead to overeating carbohydrates and weight gain

What triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It is hard to fully understand the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, it is often associated with reduced sunlight exposure during shorter autumn and winter days.

The primary theory posits that insufficient sunlight could impede the optimal functionality of a brain component known as the hypothalamus, potentially impacting:

• Melatonin production, which instigates sleepiness due to its hormonal effects. However, individuals afflicted with SAD may experience elevated levels of this hormone—a phenomenon that induces excessive drowsiness.
• Sunlight deprivation may precipitate lower serotonin levels, a hormone profoundly impacting mood, appetite, and sleep. This correlation directly links lack of sunlight to potential feelings of depression.
• Your body—specifically, it’s internal clock or circadian rhythm—relies on sunlight for timing crucial functions. Waking up is one such function. Consequently, the diminished light levels in winter could disrupt your body clock and induce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Some individuals, due to their genetic makeup—as evidenced by familial patterns in certain cases—might also exhibit a heightened vulnerability towards Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What methods can help you diagnose seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Do not attempt to self-diagnose if you experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); instead, seek a comprehensive evaluation from your healthcare provider. Another underlying cause may be responsible for your depression. Seasonal affective disorder often constitutes a facet of a more intricate mental health condition.

A psychiatrist or psychologist, as referred by your provider, may question you about your symptoms. Your pattern of symptoms will be under consideration to determine whether you are experiencing seasonal depression or another mood disorder. To determine if you have SAD, you might need to complete a questionnaire.

Which tests do I need for diagnosing seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

No blood test or scan exists for diagnosing seasonal depression; nonetheless, your provider might suggest testing to eliminate other conditions that induce identical symptoms. This could include thyroid function tests to ensure optimal performance of the gland.

What criteria determine a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

If you experience:

• A noticeable increase in appetite, especially for carbohydrates.
• Consistent weight gain.
• An intense desire to sleep—oversleeping, even.
• Persistent low energy levels throughout the day and a marked decrease in productivity—particularly during winter months or when exposed to less sunlight—your provider may diagnose you with SAD.

Major depression shows with symptoms that may include:

• Persistent sadness.
• A loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
• Significant changes in appetite and weight.
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Restlessness or slowed behavior.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Recurrent thoughts of death – suicidal ideation.

Additional criteria for SAD diagnosis:

• At least two consecutive years witness the occurrence of depressive episodes during specific seasons.
• During a specific season, depressive episodes occur more frequently than they do throughout the rest of the year.

What are the common SAD treatments?

Your provider will engage you in a discussion regarding potential treatment options. It's possible that a combination of treatments, including:

1. Bright light therapy: Utilizing a specialized lamp can provide treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
2. Vitamin D supplementation: Consider discussing with your provider the potential benefits of a Vitamin D supplement in alleviating your symptoms. However, always ensure that you consult with your provider before initiating this supplementation.
3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a talk therapy. Research demonstrates its efficacy in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), yielding the most enduring effects among all treatment approaches.
4. Engaging in outdoor activities: Increased sunlight exposure could benefit symptom improvement. Strive to allocate some time during the day to stepping outside and augment the quantity of sunlight permeating your residence or workplace.
5. Antidepressant medication: At times, providers recommend the use of antidepressant medication to treat depression; they may suggest it alone or in conjunction with light therapy.

If you or someone you know is dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

If you are looking for reliable primary care services, CVMedPro has your back. Our extensive network of healthcare providers enables you to choose the right professional. Schedule an appointment today!

To know more, get in touch with our team. Call us at 866-423-0060 or visit our website – www.cvmedpro.com