Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in seasons, with symptoms typically starting in fall/winter and resolving in spring/summer. SAD is characterized by low mood, lack of energy, changes in appetite and sleep, and feelings of hopelessness. It affects about 5% of adults and is more common in women. Potential causes include changes in sunlight exposure impacting circadian rhythms and serotonin/melatonin levels. Treatment options include light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, time outdoors, and vitamin D supplements.

1. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE
DISORDER (SAD)

2. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of
depression that's related to changes in seasons —
SAD begins and ends at about the same times every
year.
 If you're like most people with SAD, your
symptoms start in the fall and continue into the
winter months, sapping your energy and making you
feel moody.
 These symptoms often resolve during the spring
and summer months.
Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or
early summer and resolves during the fall or winter
months.

3. SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:
Feeling listless
 Sad or down most of the day
Nearly every day losing interest in
activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy and feeling sluggish
Having problems with sleeping too much
Experiencing carbohydrate cravings
Overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of not wanting anything

4. Fall and Winter SAD:
Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD
sometimes called winter depression
may include
 Oversleeping
Appetite changes, especially a craving
for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain, tiredness or low energy
SYMPTOMS RELATED TO DIFFERENT
SEASONS

5. SPRING- SUMMER SAD:
Symptoms specific to summer
onset seasonal affective disorder
sometimes called summer depression,
may include;
Trouble sleeping (Insomnia)
 Poor appetite
 Weight loss Agitation
 Anxiety Increased irritability

6. The specific causes of seasonal affective disorder
remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play
include:
Your biological clock (circadian rhythm): The
reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause
winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt
your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of
depression
 Serotonin levels: A drop in serotonin, a brain
chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might
play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in
serotonin that may trigger depression
CAUSES

7. Melatonin levels: The change in season can
disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin,
which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

8. How common is seasonal affective
disorder (SAD)?
About 5% of adults in the U.S experience SAD.
It tends to start in young adulthood (usually between
the ages of 18 and 30).
SAD affects women more than men, though
researchers aren’t sure why.
About 10% to 20% of people in America may get a
milder form of the winter blues

9. According to the American Psychiatric Association,
for at diagnosis to qualify as SAD, following four
criteria must be met
1) Depressive episodes at a particular time of the
year
2) Mania/Hypomania at a characteristic times of
year
3) These patterns must have lasted two years with
no non seasonal major depressive episodes during
that same period
4) These seasonal depressive episodes outnumber
other depressive episodes throughout the year
DIAGNOSIS OF SAD

10. Here is a combination of treatments, including:
Light therapy: Bright light therapy, using a special
lamp, can help treat SAD.
 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a
type of talk therapy. Research has shown it effectively
treats SAD, producing the longest-lasting effects of any
treatment approach.
 Antidepressant medication: Sometimes,
providers recommend medication for depression,
either alone or with light therapy.
TREATMENT

11. Spending time outdoors: Getting more sunlight
can help improve your symptoms. Try to get out
during the day. Also, increase the amount of sunlight
that enters your home or office.
 Vitamin D: A vitamin D supplement may help
improve your symptoms.