As the seasons change and the skies become gloomier, approximately millions of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These individuals feel depressed, irritable, and tired, lose interest in their hobbies, and stay in bed more often. As a result, one’s health and daily life, including job performance and relationships, are affected.
Still, many people remain unaware of the condition, its symptoms, and their treatment options. You might’ve heard some misconceptions about SAD, too. Hence, we’ve written a seasonal affective disorder fact sheet to help you understand this type of mood disorder. Read on for some important facts and statistics about SAD.
Key Takeaways
- SAD occurs during specific times of the year, typically in the fall, winter, or summer.
- The term “seasonal affective disorder” was first mentioned in a study published in 1984.
- Little to no sunlight during the colder seasons of the year has been associated with SAD.
- SAD affects all ages. Symptoms vary among adults, teenagers, and children.
- The condition is more prevalent in women and can run in families.
- Patients can address their symptoms through options such as medication and light therapy.
Table of Contents
- What is SAD?
- 11 Facts About Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Frequently Asked Questions About SAD & Light Therapy
- Conclusion
What is SAD?
SAD is a mood disorder that affects an individual during certain seasons each year. Its symptoms usually start in the fall or winter and ease in the spring when the weather warms up.
Most people with SAD feel depressed during the shorter days of winter. Conversely, they become more cheerful and energetic during the brightness of spring and summer.
Learn more about SAD on the Alaska Northern Lights blog.
11 Facts About Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD was officially described & named in 1984.
Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., and his colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, used the term “seasonal affective disorder” in their research. But before the study was published, people already knew about the condition. Many reported feeling the “winter blues” or experiencing seasonal-related mood changes years prior.
It’s believed that little to no sunlight causes SAD.
Some experts believe that a lack of sunlight increases the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Lower melatonin levels can cause symptoms of SAD.
Additionally, research has observed low levels of the mood-regulating chemical serotonin in patients with SAD. Other studies even linked sunlight to fluctuating levels of the molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels.
A few hours of daylight in the winter may affect the function of these molecules, ultimately reducing serotonin levels. This finding explains why people living farther north are likelier to experience SAD.
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in adults are easier to identify.
Adults with SAD may experience symptoms such as:
- Feeling “empty,” pessimistic, hopeless, irritable, or restless
- Not knowing what to do with themselves
- Showing little to no interest or pleasure in their hobbies or favorite activities
- Feeling lethargic, tired, or like they’ve slowed down
- Experiencing problems with concentration, memory, or decision-making
- Having a different sleeping pattern or level of appetite than usual
- Gaining or losing weight
- Experiencing physical aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without an apparent reason (Furthermore, these symptoms persist even as they’re addressed.)
- Thinking about death or suicide or attempting to end their lives
Adult patients with severe symptoms must undergo physical examinations to rule out other medical causes. These tests are also done to see whether patients should take anti-depressants.
Teenagers with SAD experience school-related symptoms.
Teenagers living with the condition may find it difficult to do schoolwork and wake up for class, go to school late, and have unfinished homework. SAD can even lead to low grades and cause some of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, including diminished concentration and a lack of interest in the teenager’s favorite activities.
In other cases, teenagers may overeat, crave carbohydrates, and gain weight.
Younger children show behavior-related symptoms.
If a child is diagnosed with SAD, they may feel short-tempered and throw temper tantrums. You may also have problems putting afflicted children to sleep and notice that they get headaches and stomachaches more often.
SAD has been linked to attention deficit in children as well. It’s suggested that those struggling with attention deficit are more likely to experience the condition.
SAD is more common in women than men.
According to Mental Health America, four out of five people diagnosed with SAD are women. Other statistics also show how prevalent depression is in women. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reported that 10.4% of women were nearly twice as likely to have developed depression than men.
People may inherit SAD from their family members.
MedlinePlus states that the first-degree relatives of patients with SAD are likelier to inherit it than the general public. Around 15% of affected individuals have a first-degree relative who’s diagnosed with the condition.
Moreover, most patients with SAD have relatives suffering from other mood or psychological disorders. It’s been reported that 25 to 67% of affected individuals have one or more relatives diagnosed with those conditions.
SAD can also occur during summer.
Although not as common, a second type of seasonal affective disorder known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression can occur in individuals living in warmer climates. Their depression is related to the longer days and increasing heat and humidity associated with summer rather than light.
Besides the common symptoms of SAD, summer depression may cause:
- Insomnia
- Poor appetite that decreases weight
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety
- Violent or aggressive behavior
It takes more than just one winter depression to be diagnosed with SAD.
Individuals must meet the following criteria:
- They experience the symptoms of general depression or winter or summer-pattern SAD. (Specific symptoms vary by individual.)
- Their symptoms occur during the winter or summer for at least two consecutive years. However, some people with SAD experience fewer symptoms yearly.
- They experience seasonal depressive episodes more often than non-seasonal depressive episodes in their lifetime.
SAD may help explain why many people travel to tropical areas during winter.
When asked why they enjoy winter holidays in warm areas, these individuals say it’s because of relaxation. However, theoretically, their destinations’ longer daylight hours and sunnier weather may help with their condition. It’s a temporary solution, though—the symptoms of SAD may return after a patient takes their winter holiday.
Several treatment options are available for SAD.
They include medication and light therapy.
Mood-Related Medication
SAD can be treated with certain medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Such medications include antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft.
Bright Light Therapy
This treatment option involves using a 10,000-lux light box or light therapy lamp. The best time for light therapy is in the early morning. (If used late at night, it could cause insomnia.) So, even if it means waking up earlier, take some time to relax and use your light box.
While light therapy for SAD is considered safe, it can cause side effects like headaches, eyestrain, or nausea. However, patients who’ve experienced these symptoms say they’re temporary and subside with time or reduced light exposure.
Most scientists agree that there are no long-term side effects, but remember to consult your physician before starting light therapy. If you’re diagnosed with an eye-related disorder or you take photosensitive medications, you may want to consider other treatments.
Tips for Effective Light Therapy at Home
If you’re trying light therapy, there are some things you must consider. Otherwise, your symptoms may persist and worsen.
- When choosing a light box for seasonal affective disorder, consider the type of device you want, the space where you’ll use it, and its size. We recommend a larger light box, like the Aurora LightPad MAX, to ensure you get enough light to be beneficial.
- It’s advisable to use your light box for around 30 to 45 minutes every morning, typically during fall and winter.
- To avoid eye problems, keep your eyes open while sitting in front of your light box, and don’t stare directly at it.
Frequently Asked Questions About SAD & Light Therapy
Can seasonal affective disorder cause anxiety?
Yes, SAD can cause anxiety. It’s one of the symptoms associated with winter and summer-pattern SAD.
In winter-pattern SAD, people may feel anxious most of the day. This occurs nearly every day for at least two weeks.
Can vitamin D help with seasonal affective disorder?
Vitamin D may help with SAD.
According to research from the University of Georgia, low vitamin D levels can increase one’s risk of developing SAD. You can get vitamin D from dietary supplements or food containing it or through adequate sun exposure to reduce your risk for SAD.
Do tanning beds help with seasonal affective disorder?
No, tanning beds don’t help with SAD. The UV light produced by these machines can accelerate the skin’s aging process and cause skin cancer.
Instead, light therapy is recommended for people with SAD. To ease their symptoms, patients use a special device with 10,000 lux of light, such as a light box or SAD lamp.
Do seasonal affective disorder lights work?
Studies have shown that SAD lights work for seasonal depression.
- In an older meta-analysis about light intensity, the authors concluded that brighter lights helped patients manage their symptoms compared to weaker lights.
- Light therapy was also proven to be effective for SAD and non-seasonal depression. However, newer research considers combined treatment as a better solution.
How do seasonal affective disorder lights work?
SAD lights simulate natural sunlight, telling the brain to produce more important chemicals for mood and some of the body’s other functions. These neurotransmitters include serotonin and melatonin.
Many light boxes and lamps for SAD are rated at 10,000 lux, the minimum intensity of ambient daylight.
Conclusion
Understanding SAD and how it affects one’s daily life is important to raising awareness, debunking misconceptions, and supporting those with the condition. We hope the facts and statistics we’ve shared open your eyes and minds to SAD’s impact on our well-being.
Related Articles
- The Change In Seasons Really Does Affect Your Mood
- SAD During the Summer
- Seasonal Affective Disorder in Kids: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
- Can Light Therapy Increase Serotonin?
- How to Use a Light Box to Treat SAD
Find medical-grade light boxes for SAD on our website.