Seasonal Affective Depression or SAD is a recurrent mood disorder with depressive symptoms, also called seasonal depression. This depression is related to changes in season, and it typically starts and ends at the same time each year.
This type of depression is usually seen in the winter months, and symptoms resolve when summers start. This is sometimes also referred to as winter blues. SAD affects more people in areas where there is reduced daylight for prolonged periods. Similarly, people also experience summer depression which usually begins in the early summer months or late spring months and ends in the winter months. The intensity of Seasonal Affective Depression differs from person to person. Some may have highly noticeable symptoms while some may have mild symptoms. One must get help from a top-rated psychiatrist in Mumbai to treat Seasonal Affective Depression.
Ever wondered what causes Seasonal Affective Depression? While there are no exact reasons for what causes this depression condition, there are a few theories that have been researched. Here are the reasons for it:
- Change in the regular biological clock
We all have an internal clock in our bodies. This clock regulates our sleep, hormones, and overall mood. When the duration of daylight shifts this clock gets disturbed and takes time to adjust to the changes leading to SAD.
- Lack of Vitamin D
The serotonin levels in the body are dependent on Vitamin D. Lack of sunlight in winter months can affect these levels leading to mood swings.
- Overproduction of melatonin
An increase in melatonin levels due to lack of light can cause more lethargy. Individuals can feel sluggish and sleepy in this phase.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Depression
The symptoms of SAD appear in early winter and include a combination of physical and psychological effects such as:
- Feeling sad for most days of the week
- Overthinking and anxiety
- Losing interest in activities or hobbies which were earlier pleasurable
- Lethargy, low energy, and fatigue
- Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness in the daytime and insomnia at night
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Difficulty in focus/concentration
These symptoms are also accompanied by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness in some cases.
Does SAD affect more during winter?
Yes, it usually starts in the late fall or early winter and ends once summers begin or in early spring in other countries. In India, this condition is very common in northern and north-western states where there are very low temperatures and reduced daylight.
When to see a doctor and what is the treatment?
Seasonal Affective Depression diagnosis usually requires 2 consecutive years of symptoms of SAD. Usually, if you have persistent symptoms which last for 2 or more weeks or are causing significant impairment in your social, personal, and occupational domains, then you need to seek the best psychiatric treatment in Mumbai.
The treatment includes a combination of antidepressants (to raise serotonin levels) for a few months, light therapy, or phototherapy as it is called, supplementation with Vit D and if needed, counselling.
Can it be avoided?
The first and second episodes usually can’t be prevented. But once the patient knows that it is happening regularly in winter, we can try some preventive measures to delay or reduce its intensity. Some steps could be:
- Using the lightbox/ phototherapy at the beginning of winter, even when there are no symptoms.
- Spending more time outdoors in sunlight, even if it’s cloudy.
- Eating a well-balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals.
- At least 30 min of exercise 3 days a week.
- Staying involved with friends and social activities.
- Consider Cognitive behavioural therapy/ counselling.
- In very repeated recurrences or severe cases, taking medicines prophylactically before the start of the episode is also extremely helpful.
Get in touch with a top-rated psychiatrist in Mumbai to get the right assistance and treatment for Seasonal Affective Depression.