Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression)

 Presented By: Dr. Kenneth L. Seely

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Most people with SAD are depressed only during the late fall and winter (sometimes called the "winter blues") and not during the spring or summer. A small number, however, are depressed only during the late spring and summer.  SAD is most common in young adult women, although it can affect men or women of any age. In North America, SAD may affect as many as 6 of every 100 people, more in the Northern portions of the country than in the South. Another 10-20% of people may have a milder form of seasonal mood changes.  The exact causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are unknown, but chemical changes resulting from the amount of available sunlight appear to be involved with this disorder.  Those who live in areas that experience increased amounts of winter related weather seem to experience SAD more often. 

Seasonal affective disorder is likely to exhibit symptoms that are similar to other types of depression including; feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, fatigue, depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal thoughts.  Symptoms that are more specific to SAD found in the winter are sleeping less than usual, craving sugars or starches, weight gain, irritability, conflicts with others, heaviness in arms and behavior disturbances in children.  A person may also seek out light places or sunlight, or like to have lot of lights on.  Some preventative measures can help with  SAD such as spending at least 30 minutes or more outside each day, taking daily walks, setting a timer on a light to go off in the morning, and increasing the indoor lighting.  Some fluorescent bulbs also have more natural sunlight properties, which can also be beneficial. Bright-light therapy may also be prescribed to you by your provider, which is exposure to bright artificial light, brighter than usual home or office lighting. Bright-light therapy relieves symptoms for about two thirds of people with seasonal affective disorder. There is no test that measures for SAD, but your health care provider can interview and examine you to tell you if this is a problem for you.

If problems persist, then medication and psychotherapy may be necessary to help you with these depressive feelings. Seek medical care if you think you have seasonal affective disorder or another type of depression, or if any of the following occur: Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, Inability to get out of bed or carry on normal activities, Persistent loss of energy or increased need for sleep, Unexplained change in appetite for food, Changes in behavior that cause problems with family, friends, or work, Feelings of wanting to die, wanting to commit suicide, or hurting yourself.  These symptoms may require medication interventions and therapy.  Therapy may also be necessary to help you cope with fear or guilt about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It may help you relax, accept the disorder, and cope with the limits SAD puts on you. Complementary activities such as meditation, relaxation exercises, and physical exercise may also have similar effects.

Kenneth L. Seely, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, is the owner of Psychological Assessment and Treatment Services and is a licensed Psychologist in the State of Utah.  Dr. Seely received his PhD in Clinical Psychology and his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from BYU, and has practiced professionally in Southern Utah for the past 13 years.  Dr. Seely can be contacted at 467 N. 300 W. Cedar City, Utah 84721 (435) 531-0527.  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 285, LaVerkin, Utah 84745