Seasonal Affective Disorder – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes. Most people experience symptoms in fall and winter. These symptoms often improve during spring and summer.
A smaller number of people have spring or summer SAD. Their symptoms resolve in cooler months.
Several treatment options can help manage SAD symptoms effectively:
Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
- Special light boxes that mimic natural outdoor light
- Usually used for 20-30 minutes each morning
- Often considered a first-line treatment
Psychotherapy Options
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted for SAD
- Helps identify negative thoughts and develop coping strategies
Medication Approaches
- Antidepressants, especially SSRIs
- Sometimes prescribed before symptoms typically begin each year
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular exercise
- Spending time outdoors
- Maintaining social connections
- Establishing healthy sleep patterns
Don’t dismiss recurring seasonal mood changes as something to endure alone.
Signs of Seasonal Mood Changes
Fall and Winter Mood Symptoms
Seasonal mood problems often show up during late fall or early winter. Then, they improve when spring and summer bring more sunshine. Symptoms might start small but get worse as the season goes on.
People with winter-related mood changes might notice:
- Feeling sad or down most days
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Low energy and sluggishness
- Sleeping too much
- Strong cravings for carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Trouble focusing
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Thoughts about not wanting to live
Winter mood problems often include oversleeping, increased appetite (especially for carb-heavy foods), weight gain, and constant tiredness.
Spring and Summer Mood Symptoms
Some people experience the opposite pattern, with mood problems appearing in spring or summer instead. Their symptoms may include:
- Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping
- Poor Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Feelings of Anxiety
- Increased Irritability
These warm-season symptoms can be just as serious as winter ones but affect fewer people.
Seasonal Changes and Mood Swings
People with mood swing disorders face a higher risk of seasonal mood problems. Their high-energy episodes might happen during specific seasons. For example:
| Season | Potential Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | High energy, anxiety, irritability |
| Fall/Winter | Sadness, low energy, depression |
These seasonal patterns can help doctors identify proper treatment approaches. If mood changes follow a clear seasonal pattern, specific treatments might work better.
When to see a doctor
It’s common to feel sad sometimes. But you should talk to your doctor if you feel down for several days in a row and lose interest in activities you usually enjoy.
Pay special attention to changes in your sleep patterns or appetite. Also seek help if you find yourself drinking alcohol to cope with feelings or if you have thoughts about suicide.
A healthcare provider can offer support and treatment options that can make a real difference in how you feel.
Causes
While we don’t fully understand the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder, several key factors likely contribute to this condition.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythm
When fall and winter bring less sunlight, your body’s internal clock can get thrown off balance. This disruption may lead to depression symptoms as your body struggles to adjust to the seasonal change.
Changes in Brain Chemistry
- Reduced sunlight can lower serotonin levels in the brain
- Serotonin is important for mood regulation
- When levels drop, depression may follow
Melatonin Imbalance
Seasonal shifts can affect your body’s melatonin production. This hormone helps control sleep patterns and mood, and when its balance is disturbed, it may contribute to SAD symptoms.
Your body’s natural response to reduced daylight hours during winter months appears to trigger these biological changes that can lead to depression in susceptible individuals.
Risk Factors
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects people differently based on several factors. Women receive this diagnosis more often than men. Young adults also face a higher risk compared to older individuals.
Several key factors may increase someone’s chance of developing SAD:
Family Connections: People with relatives who have SAD or other forms may be more vulnerable.
Existing Mental Health Conditions: Those already diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder might experience worse symptoms during certain seasons.
Geographic Location: Living far from the equator appears to increase risk. These areas experience more extreme differences in daylight hours between summer and winter.
Vitamin D Levels: Low vitamin D levels in the body may contribute to SAD. Sunlight helps the skin produce this vitamin, which supports serotonin activity in the brain. Less sun exposure combined with insufficient dietary vitamin D can lead to deficiencies.
Complications
If left untreated, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can worsen and cause serious problems. People may experience:
- Social isolation
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Problems with alcohol or drugs
- Development of additional mental health conditions like anxiety or eating disorders
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Prevention
While there is no known way to prevent seasonal affective disorder, early management of symptoms can help stop them from worsening over time.
Taking proactive steps may prevent major changes in mood, appetite, and energy levels.
SAD follows a predictable pattern, so many people benefit from starting treatment before symptoms typically begin in fall or winter.
Continuing treatment beyond when symptoms would normally fade can be helpful for some individuals. Others may require ongoing treatment to keep symptoms from returning.
If you know you’re prone to seasonal mood changes, consider these preventive strategies:
- Start treatment early before your typical symptom onset.
- Maintain treatment through your vulnerable season.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about a prevention plan.
- Monitor your mood for early warning signs.
Prompt intervention can significantly reduce the impact of seasonal affective disorder on your daily life.
