Signs & Symptoms Of SAD

Do you have notable changes in mood during certain times of year—especially winter? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 5% of people in the United States experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). More than just sadness in winter, SAD is a serious mood disorder that can produce a variety of concerning symptoms. People with SAD may experience low mood, lack of energy, weight gain, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Despite these challenges, it’s often possible to manage SAD symptoms with the right support. Below, we’ll take a look at seasonal affective disorder, its key symptoms, and how it can be treated. 

An overview of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

For many people, the variations in weather and sun exposure that often accompany seasonal changes can have an impact on their mood. However, if you feel persistently sad and tired as fall and winter approach—or the spring and summer months, in rarer cases—it might be more than just the winter blues. You might be experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression (SAD)—sometimes called winter depression or summer SAD—which is a diagnosable mental illness in the category of depressive disorders.

It can be easy to miss a diagnosis of SAD because those living with the condition may not have symptoms for most of the year. If you’ve noticed yourself having symptoms, it’s generally recommended that you meet with a mental health specialist for SAD evaluation and treatment advice.

Differences between SAD and major depression

Another common difference between having SAD and major depression disorder is the way in which emotional symptoms tend to arise. People who have seasonal depression may feel more sad rather than irritable or angry, in contrast to the way many people experience the onset of major depression. There can also be differences in physical symptoms. For instance, an individual with SAD may start sleeping significantly longer than normal and develop an increased appetite rather than having insomnia and a decrease in appetite. 

Recognizing symptoms of SAD

The National Institute of Mental Health lists the following symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD):

• Lack of energy
• Disrupted sleep patterns, like trouble sleeping or excessive sleepiness
• More carbohydrate cravings than normal
• Poor appetite or significantly increased appetite
• Significant weight gain or weight loss
• Withdrawing socially
• Feelings of irritation or agitation
• Negative feelings about the self
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Suicidal ideation

What causes someone to have SAD?

There is also evidence that specific populations of people tend to be more at risk for having SAD than others. For instance, some research suggests that women may be four times more likely to have SAD than men, and younger adults are also thought to be more likely to develop the condition than older adults. People who work evening or night shifts are typically considered to be at a greater risk for having seasonal depression as well. Also, for people living with bipolar disorder, symptoms may be linked to a specific season. For example they may experience more depressive symptoms in the winter months.

Individuals who live further north or south of the equator—where climates tend to be colder and light tends to be less plentiful in the winter months—may be more prone to having symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, too. Findings from one study indicate that only 1% of Florida residents experience SAD compared to 9% of residents of New England and Alaska. Many experts also believe that people with a family history of having depression may be at greater risk for SAD. Those who have already been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder may experience worse SAD symptoms in the colder months as well. 

Finally, as noted earlier, people with SAD may have low levels of vitamin D, which is another of the common risk factors. This is because vitamin D is connected to serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps control mood. Research suggests that people who have seasonal depression may have increased levels of serotonin transporter, also called 5-HTT, which can reduce the amount of serotonin available for the brain to use. The causes of these increased levels are still being investigated but could be linked to genetics and environmental factors.

Treatment for SAD

There are various research-supported treatment methods for when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs. The right one for a given individual may depend on their symptom severity, when symptoms begin, and other elements of their mental health.

Light therapy

If the dark days of winter tend to bring about symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in an individual, exposure to light may have a positive effect on symptoms. Research suggests that having bright light therapy—in which participants expose themselves to artificial light or sunlight for prescribed periods—may effectively reduce symptoms of seasonal depression. 

Vitamin D supplements

Research suggests a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and having symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Vitamin D—which is important for immune health and other vital functions—may be difficult to obtain in the winter months in the absence of sun. For this reason, vitamin D supplements are often incorporated into treatment plans for SAD.

Medication for SAD

Psychotherapy for SAD