Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight is limited. This condition can impact mood, energy, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Many people experience a change in mood or energy as the seasons shift, but for those affected by SAD, these changes are significant and can disrupt daily life. Understanding SAD and seeking timely support with the team at KAVN Health can make a profound difference in one’s mental health. To seek treatment for SAD, call the office in Columbia, Maryland, or request an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available for patients living in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder linked to seasonal changes, most commonly affecting individuals during fall and winter. Symptoms often include feelings of sadness, lethargy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite. Unlike typical “winter blues,” SAD is more intense and persistent, often interfering with daily routines, relationships, and productivity.

SAD is recognized as a subtype of major depressive disorder and is thought to be influenced by the reduction in sunlight exposure, which can affect the body’s biological clock and disrupt serotonin and melatonin levels.

What is the difference between seasonal affective disorder and depression?

While SAD and depression share many similar symptoms, such as persistent sadness, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep, the key difference is the timing and duration of symptoms. Seasonal affective disorder appears and intensifies with seasonal shifts, primarily in fall and winter, and typically resolves in spring or summer.

Major depressive disorder (MDD), on the other hand, does not follow a seasonal pattern and can occur at any time throughout the year. SAD is considered a form of depression, but its predictable seasonal onset distinguishes it from non-seasonal forms of MDD.

Additionally, those with SAD may notice their symptoms lessen or even disappear with increased sunlight exposure.

How is seasonal affective disorder treated?

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder typically includes a combination of light therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Light therapy, using a specialized light box, is a common and effective treatment that aims to replace lost sunlight exposure, helping to regulate mood and sleep. Antidepressant medications may also be prescribed to address symptoms, especially in more severe cases. Additionally, mental health therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can provide valuable coping strategies and address negative thought patterns associated with SAD.

Regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and spending time outdoors, even in winter, can further help manage symptoms and improve mood stability.

For those who experience SAD, seeking timely and effective treatment is essential to enhancing their quality of life throughout the darker months. A mental health professional, like those at KAVN Health, can offer an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique challenges of seasonal affective disorder.

To seek treatment for SAD, call KAVN Health or request an appointment online today.