What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an older term for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern. It’s a psychological condition that results in depression which is normally provoked by seasonal change. The condition most often occurs in women, adolescents, and young adults.

Many times people will start to see a pattern to their depression as the seasons change. This is common in the winter months and in areas where it is darker more than there is light outside. SAD is more common the countries like Alaska and Canada than in South America.

SAD is classified into two types, one in the Summertime and the other in the Wintertime. The symptoms are markedly different.

Summertime symptoms are:

agitation

difficulty sleeping

increased restlessness

lack of appetite

weight loss

Wintertime symptoms are:

daytime fatigue

difficulty concentrating

feelings of hopelessness

increased irritability

lack of interest in social activities

lethargy

reduced sexual interest

unhappiness

weight gain

How do you know if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you notice these symptoms you should talk with your doctor right away and it would help if you kept a journal as to when the depression started. This will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis especially if you notice the changes appear to be seasonal. The more information you can provide the doctor more accurately they can diagnosis your depression.

How do you treat Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Your doctor can determine the best treatment and in severe cases, may prescribe medication or a combination of treatments. One treatment known to help is Light Box Therapy or a Lamp because they are specially designed to put out a minimum of 10,000 Lux full-spectrum light.

Here’s my post on the Top 5 SAD Lamps

I hope you will seek out more information and talk with your doctor if your symptoms are troubling you.

In health,

Melinda

Reference

https://www.healthline.com/health

https://www.webmd.com/depression/sad-directory

https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-or-dysthymia#1