Seasonal affective disorder, also called seasonal depression or SAD, is a common mood disorder that people experience either with the onset of winter or, less frequently, summer. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are normally brought on by internal changes related to one's hormones and brain chemicals. Individuals often complain of feeling depressed and tired, while also experiencing changes in eating and sleeping habits. One's mental state can range from feeling mildly unhappy to severely depressed or suicidal, which is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional. There are several types of therapy available for someone diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.
Most symptoms of seasonal affective disorder usually appear in the late fall or early winter, while "summer SAD" typically begins in spring or early summer. A person with symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may feel generally depressed, and it is common to experience feelings of sadness or loneliness. For someone used to socializing with others, an increased desire to be alone could be one of the first indicators that he or she is suffering from SAD.
During the winter, some typical symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can include fatigue, low energy levels, and a lack of interest in one's normal activities. Someone with summer SAD, however, might actually have more energy than usual. Other common symptoms have been reported by people experiencing SAD, regardless of the season. Some of these include anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and general irritability.
Weight gain or loss is also among the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. In the winter, weight gain is usually caused by an increased appetite and cravings for certain foods, typically carbohydrates or so-called comfort foods. During the summer, on the other hand, someone might experience a decrease in his or her appetite, resulting in significant weight loss.
Another common symptom is a change in one's sleep patterns. Oversleeping and experiencing a desire to sleep more than usual is typical with winter SAD. In contrast, someone with summer SAD is usually more likely to suffer from insomnia.
Most symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are caused by hormonal factors and internal changes in the body associated with feelings of well-being. For instance, one's melatonin levels can often shift when the seasons change. Furthermore, a reduction in daily sunlight during the winter has been associated with lower levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Combined with potential disruptions of one's internal circadian rhythm, otherwise known as the biological clock, these shifts can all contribute to the onset of SAD.
Depending on the diagnosis, there are a variety of options for treating symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. A commonly prescribed remedy is phototherapy, often utilizing a special light therapy box. Additional options include antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Many symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can be reduced on one's own by certain actions, such as getting out in the sunlight when possible, bringing it inside by opening windows and shades, and remaining physically active. Certain symptoms could actually be indicators of another kind of depression such as bipolar disorder, so a professional medical evaluation, rather than self-diagnosis, is usually recommended.