What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder occurs when an individual’s depressive episodes are associated with the seasons of the year. For example, someone may notice that they struggle with symptoms of depression in the fall or winter, but no symptoms in the spring or summer. Or vice versa.
Seasonal affective disorder is known to affect more women than men in the United States (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
When looking at how the American Psychological Association classifies seasonal affective disorder, some may be surprised to learn that it is actually classified as major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern specifier (American Psychological Association, 2013).
Think you’re dealing with seasonal affective disorder? There is hope for help. find a A mental health professional who treats Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
When looking at the symptoms of major depressive disorder, it’s important to understand that everyone’s symptoms will look different. There is no “cookie cutter” experience when it comes to major depressive disorder. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals struggling with major depressive disorder experience at least 5 of the following symptoms in the same two-week period:
- Depressed mood most of the day, almost every day. It can be something they know about themselves or something they have observed from others
- Interest in fun activities and hobbies that they previously enjoyed has decreased markedly
- Significant weight loss or loss of appetite when not trying to lose weight
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor excitement almost every day
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Struggles to concentrate or make decisions almost every day.
- Recurrent thoughts about death, suicidal ideation without a plan, having a suicide plan or attempting suicide
Winter pattern SAD symptoms
Symptoms for individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months may include:
- Excessive sleep (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, especially with cravings for carbohydrates
- To gain weight
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernation”)
Summer Typical SAD Symptoms
Symptoms for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer may include:
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Poor appetite leads to weight loss
- Anxiety and excitement
- Anxiety
- Episodes of violent behavior
Major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder
The difference between major depressive disorder and seasonal major depressive disorder is a two-year period during which an individual struggles with depressive symptoms during certain seasons of the year (American Psychological Association). Depressive symptoms may not be the result of situational anxiety related to the seasons, such as unemployment in winter (American Psychological Association, 2013). When the seasons change, individuals may notice that they are not struggling with any symptoms of depression, or may shift to struggling with mania or hypomania, depending on other mental health issues (American Psychological Association).
The National Institute of Mental Health reported on the differences we can see between individuals who struggle with seasonal affective disorder in the winter compared to those who struggle in the spring.
Individuals who struggle during the winter may experience difficulty sleeping, eating, gaining weight, and withdrawing from social situations (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.)
Individuals who struggle during the summer may experience difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, weight loss, feeling anxious and agitated, anxious, and experiencing violent behavioral episodes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
What risk factors are associated with seasonal affective disorder?
There are various factors that are believed to play a role in the development of seasonal affective disorder. For example, individuals living in northern regions with less daylight during the winter are at higher risk of developing seasonal affective disorder than those living in southern regions of the country (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. ).
We also know that seasonal affective disorder is more common in individuals struggling with other mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Other common mental health problems seen among people with seasonal affective disorder include ADHD, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
Get treatment for seasonal affective disorder
When looking for Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment, it is important to find a mental health professional who has experience helping individuals overcome this depressive disorder. Some common treatments include:
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Antidepressant drugs
- Vitamin D
Think you’re dealing with seasonal affective disorder? There is hope for help. find a A mental health professional who treats Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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