A form of depression is seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The change in seasons causes it, typically starting in the late fall. Some of the symptoms are sadness, lack of energy, a loss of interest in routine activities, excessive sleeping, and weight gain. Antidepressants, talk therapy, and light therapy are all forms of treatment.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad)?
What is seasonal affective disorder? SAD is a type of depression often called seasonal depression and is brought on by a change in the seasons, typically when fall arrives. Before ending in the brighter days of spring, the seasonal depression often gets worse in the late fall or early winter.
It’s typical to experience some melancholy during the winter. Given that it gets dark early, you might be trapped inside.
Seasonal depression is another name for seasonal affective disorder. This kind of depression exists. But complete SAD goes further than this. Unlike the winter blues, SAD has an influence on your everyday life, including how you feel and think. Thankfully, therapy can help you get through this challenging period.
What Are The Symptoms Of SAD?
Depression of this kind includes seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is officially categorized as a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns by the American Psychiatric Association. Therefore, if you have the seasonal affective disorder, you may experience depressive symptoms such as:
- Sadness, feeling down for the majority of every day.
- Anxiety.
- Weight gain and cravings for carbohydrates.
- Extreme exhaustion and lack of vitality.
- Feelings of worthlessness or despair.
- Having trouble focusing
- Being aggravated or irritated.
- Arm and leg limbs that are heavy.
- A decline in interest in typically enjoyable activities, including a withdrawal from social activities.
- Sleeping issues (usually oversleeping).
- Thoughts of suicide or death.
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad)?
What are the causes of seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal depression’s exact cause is unknown to researchers. If you are predisposed to the condition, a lack of sunlight may worsen it. The hypotheses state:
- Your biological clock adjusts when the amount of sunlight decreases. This internal clock controls your hormones, mood, and sleep. Because you are out of rhythm with your typical daily routine, you are unable to adapt to variations in the length of the day as it moves.
- Vitamin D also raises your serotonin levels. Because vitamin D is produced partly by sunlight, a lack of the sun during the winter can cause a vitamin D deficiency. That change may impact the serotonin level and your mood.
- People with SAD frequently experience stress, anxiety, and negative wintertime thoughts. These negative thoughts may either be a cause or a result of seasonal depression, according to researchers.
How Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) Diagnosed?
The seasonal affective disorder is frequently a component of a more serious mental health problem. Do not attempt to self-diagnose seasonal affective ailment (SAD) if you experience symptoms. Visit your healthcare provider for a complete assessment. There could be another factor causing your depression.
Your doctor might suggest that you see a psychologist or psychiatrist. These mental health professionals will question you about your symptoms. Your symptoms pattern will be consider when determining whether you have seasonal depression or another mood disorder. If you want to find out if you have SAD, you might have to complete a questionnaire.
What Tests Are Required To Diagnose Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad)?
A blood test or scan is not available to identify seasonal depression. Nevertheless, your doctor might advise testing to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as checking your thyroid to see if it is functioning correctly.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Diagnosis?
Your doctor might determine that you have SAD if you have the following:
- Signs of severe depression.
- Depressive episodes happen for at least two years during particular seasons.
Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad)?
Treatment of seasonal affective disorder… You will discuss treatment options with your doctor. You might require a mix of therapies, such as:
- Light treatment: Using a unique lamp, bright light therapy can help treat SAD.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Talk therapy includes CBT. According to research, it has the most sustained effects of any treatment strategy and effectively treats SAD.
- Antidepressant drugs: Medical professionals occasionally advise taking antidepressants for depression, either on their own or in conjunction with light therapy.
- Vitamin D: Taking a vitamin D supplement may help you feel better.
How Does Light Therapy Work?
Treatment of seasonal affective disorder. You must buy a unique lamp to use for light therapy or phototherapy. It has white fluorescent light tubes protected from ultraviolet light by a plastic screen. The brightness of the light is about 20 times that of typical indoor lighting. The amount of light that is emit must be 10,000 lux. Avoid looking into the light directly when using phototherapy. You should only be indirectly expose to the light. While you read, eat, work, or engage in other activities, place the lamp about two to three feet away.
Is Light Therapy Safe?
Most of the time, light therapy is secure and well-tolerated. However, if any of the following apply to you:
- Have diabetes or retinopathies: The retina, the back of your eye, is susceptible to damage if you have diabetes or retinopathy.
- Utilize medication: Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Then, light therapy may be harmful.
Are There Side Effects Of Light Therapy?
You may experience the following:
- Eyestrain.
- Irritability.
- Headaches.
- Insomnia.
In a Nutshell
Depression, known as “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD), occurs every year during a particular season, typically the winter. Also, Lack of energy and a sense of helplessness are two symptoms. Fortunately, seasonal depression is treatable. Talk to your healthcare provider. They are there to assist.
