Question 1

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD is a mood change that occurs when days get shorter and less sunlight is available. It usually starts in fall or winter and improves when spring returns.

Sometimes called the "winter blues," SAD is not a disorder on its own but is classified as a type of recurrent depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, persons with SAD tend to crave carbohydrates, and they eat too much. They may withdraw from social situations and self-isolate with a feeling they need to "hibernate" until the sun returns.

Almost everyone with SAD sleeps more than they need to. They may lose interest in formerly enjoyed activities and have difficulty concentrating. SAD can make a person gain weight, feel agitated, and show other signs of major depression, as well.

Question 2

How is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is diagnosed by a mental health professional using the following criteria:

The patient must show signs of depression
These symptoms occur seasonally for at least two years
Seasonal depressive episodes occur more frequently than other bouts of depression

Question 3

What is the typical treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Four basic treatments are used to improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder:

Light therapy
Psychotherapy
Antidepressant medication
Vitamin D supplements

Light therapy

Light therapy has been used to treat SAD since the 1980s. When used as directed, it is generally safe for anyone who suffers detrimental mood changes during darker months. This non-invasive therapy involves the use of a light box that provides exceptionally bright light. At 10,000 lux, a light- or photo-therapy box shines 20 times brighter than typical incandescent room light.

People with SAD who sit near a light box for every morning receive all the benefits of natural sunlight without any ultraviolet (UV) exposure. For optimal benefits, users should keep their eyes open but not look directly at the light box, advises Mayo Clinic.

To use a light therapy box, place it in a comfortable location. The lamp itself should be about an arm's reach away and facing the user from an upward angle that mimics the direction of sun rays.

A prescription is not required to purchase a therapeutic light box, but it's important to select a lamp made specifically to treat depressive disorders. Boxes made to treat skin afflictions emit mostly UV light and won't do much to alleviate seasonal depression. UV lights can also cause skin burns and eye damage.

It's a good idea to consult with medical professional before starting light box therapy, especially for persons with eye issues or who are taking medication.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT can help individuals with SAD learn to replace negative thoughts with positive thinking. A qualified behavioral therapist helps seasonal sufferers plan pleasant indoor and outdoor activities to counteract their fall and winter disinterest and depression.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) CBT may take more time than light therapy to be effective, but the therapeutic benefits tend to be longer lasting.

Antidepressants

Akin to other types of depression, SAD involves a disturbance in serotonin levels in the brain. For this reason, many mental health experts prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) meds to enhance patient mood during autumn and winter months.

Mood-lifting drugs that may be used to treat symptoms of SAD include fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, and extended-release bupropion.

Vitamin D supplements

Human bodies make their own vitamin D from sunlight. When sunny days are at a minimum, supplements of this important vitamin are diminished. Not only does a shortage of "the sunshine vitamin" facilitate depression, it can also lead to high blood pressure, heart issues, a weakened immune system, and other medical maladies, explains Cleveland Clinic.

The most natural way to boost vitamin D levels is through exposure to sunlight. When sunshine is sparse, eating more salmon, swordfish, sardines, and other foods rich in vitamin D may help ease the effects of seasonal depression.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Related questions about seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Life is complicated. Finding a therapist shouldn’t be.

Newsletter signup

Get inspiration straight to your inbox.