Approximately half a million people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. While this condition affects some children and teenagers, most of the people with SAD are adults. Learning about SAD can help people learn how to effectively manage this condition.
Causes
Although the exact cause of SAD in adults is unknown, a few factors may contribute to developing this condition. The change of seasons may disrupt the natural patterns of people's internal biological clocks, body temperature, melatonin and serotonin levels. These chemical changes in the body may produce feelings of depression. In addition, a person's mental health condition, genetics, age and natural body chemicals may play roles as well.
Risk Factors
Although anyone can get SAD, a few risk factors have been identified. Females and those living far from the equator are more likely to be diagnosed with this condition than others, explains the Mayo Clinic. Having family members who have a history of this condition also puts people at a greater risk for developing SAD.
Types
Two types of SAD exist. Winter-onset SAD is the most common. People with winter-onset SAD disorder start experiencing symptoms during the fall or winter months and start to feel better by summer. The second type is summer-onset SAD. People with this type experience symptoms beginning in the spring or summer months and begin to feel better by winter.
Symptoms
Although the symptoms vary depending upon the specific individuals and the type of seasonal affective disorder they have, some symptoms commonly occur, according to the AAFP. Common symptoms of winter-onset SAD disorder include appetite changes, cravings for starchy or sweet, lower energy levels, oversleeping, fatigue, weight gain, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased emotional sensitivity, avoiding social situations and a loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable. Common symptoms of summer-onset SAD include an appetite or weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, agitation and an increase in sex drive.
Treatments
People suffering from seasonal depression symptoms may be able to ease their symptoms by completing a few lifestyle changes. Making the inside of the home as sunny and bright as possible may help. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that getting outside frequently, especially within two hours of waking up in the morning, can also help. If these lifestyle changes do not help, people should seek the help of a doctor or mental health professional. Some people with SAD find light therapy useful. This consists of sitting nearby a specially-designed artificial light source that mimics natural sunlight. However, the effective of light therapy has not been scientifically proven to treat SAD and should not be done without the recommendation of a doctor. Psychotherapy and medications like bupropion or other antidepressants can also help more severe cases of SAD.
Warning
Although the causes and symptoms are different, people need to take all forms of depression seriously. It is crucial for anyone with SAD, or any depression, to report any thoughts of suicide to a mental health provider immediately.
