SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Overview and Facts

The seasonal affective disorder is a previously unique mood disorder, it is now classified as a specifier called “seasonal pattern,” which is under the category of mood disorder (a group of conditions that affects a person’s mood). The seasonal affective disorder affects people with normal mental health with sudden depressive symptoms, most commonly showing up in winter. This disorder will usually last all year round, making the affected individual moody and making them feel tired or out of energy.

This disease is not to be confused with the “winter blues,” since it is vastly different from SAD, wherein the former can be chucked as one toughening out to cure it, as for the latter needing medical attention such as consultation, therapies, and medications.

The lack of activities during the winter is a significant cause of SAD, and some several factors add to that cause which is listed below:

Reduction of available food
Reduction of sunlight
Survival in cold weather
Lack of serotonin

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

There are currently three types of SAD, which are the following:

Regular SAD
Fall-Winter SAD
Spring-Summer SAD

SYMPTOMS

There are many symptoms for this disorder, which can be seen in the affected patient by showing those either intentionally, unintentionally, or subconsciously. Below are those symptoms:

Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts
Loss of interest in previously taken activities
Withdrawal from social interaction
Problems with sleeping and appetite
Difficulties in concentrating and making decisions
Decreased libido
Lack of energy
Agitation

Additionally, there are specific symptoms for SAD when it occurs during the winter, which is the following:

Oversleeping
Difficulties in waking up
Nausea
Overeating tendencies

Lastly, for the symptoms of spring and summer SAD, they are listed below:

Insomnia
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Agitation
Anxiety

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Most disorders are diagnosed by observing how the disease has affected an individual via depressive episodes, remissions, mania/hypomania patterns. These are found during the individual’s lifetime, with regular visits to the doctor and a psychiatrist.

TREATMENT

The standard treatments for this disorder are the following:

Light therapy
Medication
Ionized-air administration
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Melatonin supplementation

For light therapy, the usage of lumen emitting lightboxes is usually used for this therapy. Another light-related treatment used is the bright light therapy by using blue lights to stimulate the good feelings the blue color emits to the human brain. Dawn simulation is another form of light treatment that can be used for this treatment.

For medication, antidepressants are used for treating this disorder, mainly the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) type of medication. Three commonly SSRI antidepressants are useful for treating this disorder, namely fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine. Other medications such as modafinil and vitamin-D rich medicines are also used for treatment.

If needed, the lightbox light therapy will be applied along with the SSRI antidepressants for maximum effect. Another treatment available for this disorder would be the application of negative air ionization. Lastly, basic physical exercises are highly advised as another form of therapy against SAD.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Overview and Facts

Types and Symptoms

Diagnosis & Medications

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