Seasonal Affective Disorder Introduction

Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Depression

See Also:
Depression: Introduction & Overview
Depression: Causes & Risk Factors
Depression: Symptoms
Depression: 4 Types
· Major Depression: Overview & Treatment
· Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Overview & Treatment
· Seasonal Affective Disorder: Overview & Treatment
· Postpartum Depression: Overview & Treatment

Related:
Depression in Teenagers
Depression in the Elderly
Depression in Women
Depression in Men
Bipoloar Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder Overview

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of depression (that occurs during fall and winter months when the sunlight is limited) that alternate with periods of normal or high moods in the rest of the year. SAD is more common among women than men (but the symptoms' severity is the same for both genders), and it also can affect children and adolescents. The first SAD symptoms usually occur at the beginning of October or November, and subside in March or April. There are few cases when the symptoms can occur earlier, at the end of the summer, possibly as a result of high heat and humidity.

The main signs and symptoms of SAD include:

Oversleeping, sadness, irritability, daytime fatigue, inability to concentrate, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, decreased sexual interest, lethargy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities, and social withdrawal.

The disorder can begin at any age, but the average onset age is between 18 and 30 years.

Seasonal affective disorder has been linked with a brain chemical imbalance possibly caused by lack of sunlight and shorter daylight hours in winter. A decreased amount of light might affect the biological internal clock or circadian rhythm, like it happens in the animal world where sunlight affects the seasonal activities in animals. SAD was also linked with a sleep-hormone, called melatonin, which is produced in higher amounts during night hours.

Article by Alina Morrow,
MS Psychology
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Depression Bibliography