What is Seasonal Affective Disorder | Fact Sheet
Winter is coming. With cloudy skies and less daylight hours, we become more susceptible to experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder
A.K.A seasonal depression, SAD
ABOUT
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs seasonally, typically experienced during fall and winter¹.
It is identified to have common depressive symptoms that last 4–5 months and associated with a decrease in serotonin* levels.
- Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with aiding the regulation of mood, sleep, sex, and more.²
QUICK FACTS
• Winter SAD is more common than Summer SAD.
• People living in areas with less daylight hours are more likely to experience SAD.
• Treatable
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Winter SAD- specific symptoms can include hypersomnia, overeating (weight gain), and lack of desire to socially interact.
Summer SAD- specific symptoms can include insomnia, poor eating (weight loss), irritability, anxiety, and aggression.
DIAGNOSIS
This disorder is diagnosed through a mental health evaluation conducted by a trained mental health care provider (i.e. psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, etc). The provider come to a diagnosis based off the following criteria:
“To be diagnosed with SAD, a person must meet the following criteria:
- They have the symptoms of depression or the more specific symptoms of winter- or summer-pattern SAD listed above.
- Their depressive episodes occur during specific seasons (winter or summer) for at least 2 consecutive years. However, not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year.
- Their depressive episodes during the specific season are more frequent than depressive episodes experienced at other times of the year.”¹
No blood tests are necessary for diagnosis.
TREATMENTS
Medication- Antidepressants are typically prescribed, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects and overall efficacy are often monitored by patient reported symptoms.
Light Therapy- A light box with around 10,000 lux can be used to substitute the lack of sunlight. Use for a minimum of 30–45 minutes upon waking up.
Psychotherapy- In combination with medication, talking with a therapist is beneficial for treatment.
Physical Activity- Being active, especially outdoor activity, is recommended to help boost serotonin naturally and encourage positive endorphins.
Vitamin D Supplements- Vitamin D is correlated with increased serotonin activity. With less sunlight expose, supplementing with vitamin D may prove helpful.
Eating more meats, dairy, and nuts- These foods contain the building block essential amino acid of serotonin, tryptophan.
