Seasonal Affective Disorder

With wintery weather comes shorter days and chilly temperatures. For many, this marks the start of the cheerful holiday season. However, for others, the lack of sunlight and colder weather cause a downward shift in mood. Those who consistently suffer from a decrease in their mental health when the seasons’ change are suffering from something called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which is a climate-dependent depression. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by a significant drop in energy and mood during the fall and winter months that begins and ends around the same time each year. While it can also happen in summer, winter Seasonal Affective Disorder is much more common. 

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder 

There are many symptoms of SAD, including but not limited to:

• Loss of energy: People experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder often have low energy and can feel sluggish and lethargic. This can also lead to changes in appetite. 
• Lack of interest: SAD also causes people to lose interest in hobbies or pursuits they were interested in in the past, as well as a decrease in the ability to concentrate. 
• Mood changes: People with this disorder also report feeling for much of the day, as well as irritability and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. 

Overall, the National Institute of Mental Health gives three conditions that define a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder:

1. The individual must have symptoms of depression.
2. Their depression must be significantly more severe during a specific time of the year.
3. These depressive episodes must happen more frequently than other episodes they might have had throughout their life. 

If you or the person you care for is experiencing these symptoms or a general flare-up of depression around the wintertime, it may be time to see a doctor about treating seasonal affective disorder. 

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Past knowing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, knowing its causes help identify a potential case of SAD. Look out for these factors to have a better understanding of this condition. 

1. Reduced sunlight exposure often changes bodily functions. As the days get shorter and people get less sun, they may see changes in their mood. Decreased sunlight exposure affects people’s circadian rhythms or their inner clock and can cause depression. A lack of vitamin D due to reduced sunlight can also be a contributing factor since vitamin D is essential for the body to create serotonin, a neurochemical that creates the feeling of happiness. This is dangerous for many but especially seniors. As the body ages, the functions that produce vitamin D from sunlight become less and less efficient, which means that the elderly are at an increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Mobility problems that are common in older adults also prevent them from going outside as much as is necessary. 
2. Overproduction of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that causes sleepiness and is essential to the body’s normal sleep cycle. However, people with SAD overproduce it, which leads to feeling tired more often. 
3. Genetic factors also play a role. People with family members that have SAD may be at higher risk.
4. Living farther from the equator. SAD is more common in regions farther north of the equator since the longer winters and shorter summers cause decreased sunlight exposure. 

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder 

Seasonal Affective Disorder severely affects people’s quality of life, and treatments can be helpful to mitigate it. Before beginning any treatments, consult a doctor or healthcare provider. This is especially important for older adults since many already take other medications or treatments that complicate their body’s response to any new treatments. However, some of the most common treatments for SAD are: 

1. Light therapy: There are many different ways to increase light exposure. Popular options include lightboxes, dawn simulators, and other wearable light-emitting devices. 
2. Antidepressant medication: These medications can help many people who suffer from SAD but require special attention from a healthcare provider to avoid adverse effects. 
3. Talk therapy: Talk therapy is a common treatment for depression that can also benefit those with seasonal depression.

No matter the type of treatment an older adult may choose to seek, it is vital that they get a treatment that works for them. Seasonal Affective Disorder can significantly affect their life, so mitigating it will lead to a much happier winter.