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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually starting in fall or winter and ending in spring or early summer. SAD is sometimes called “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and severe during the winter.
Cause

The exact causes of SAD are still unclear, but research suggests it may be linked to changes in circadian rhythms and melatonin levels due to shorter daylight hours in winter. The hypothalamus, which regulates sleep-wake cycles and release of hormones, may malfunction during darker months.

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Changes in chemical configurations of brain

One theory is that the lack of sunlight in winter leads to a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Reduced sunlight can also disrupt the balance of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood. The changes in melatonin and serotonin disrupt the circadian rhythm and can lead to feelings of depression.

Available treatments

One theory is that the lack of sunlight in winter leads to a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Reduced sunlight can also disrupt the balance of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood. The changes in melatonin and serotonin disrupt the circadian rhythm and can lead to feelings of depression.

Light Therapy(SAD)

Light Therapy

Sitting in front of a light therapy box first thing in the morning may

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Medications(SAD)

Medications

Antidepressants like SSRIs can be prescribed to increase serotonin

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Psychotherapy(SAD)

Psychotherapy

Counseling and cognitive behavioural therapy can help

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Lifestyle Changes(SAD)

Lifestyle Changes

Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and socializing

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How is depression diagnosed?

The summer-winter pattern

In the summer, when days are longer, most people with SAD feel their mood lift. Their symptoms, which can include fatigue, low motivation, anxiety, increased appetite and weight gain, and sleep disturbances, dissipate. This is because the increase in natural sunlight in summer regulates serotonin, melatonin, and the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock.

As winter approaches and daylight hours decrease, people with SAD begin experiencing low mood, lack of interest in normal activities, and other symptoms of depression. The decrease in sunlight disrupts the body’s serotonin production and melatonin release, causing depression symptoms to emerge. Symptoms worsen through fall and peak in the winter.

This seasonal pattern of depression improving in summer and recurring in winter continues year after year for people with SAD. The transition in and out of depressive episodes aligns with the changes in season and daylight. While symptoms improve in the spring and summer months, people with SAD may need treatment to manage their winter depression episodes. Light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy can help reduce symptoms.