Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern
Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. With symptoms lasting about four to five months each year, the vast majority of people with this disorder experience their symptoms from late fall to winter. However, some may experience symptoms during the spring and summer, which is referred to as major depressive disorder with a summer pattern.
For those struggling with this disorder, there is hope. Like other types of depression, there are treatment options that have been proven beneficial to many.
SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern are associated with those of major depressive disorder. Common symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Feeling depressed most days
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling a lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a winter seasonal pattern
- Social withdraw or distancing yourself from others
- Oversleeping
- Overeating, and particularly craving carbohydrates
- Weight gain
Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a summer seasonal pattern
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
- Agitation
Risk Factors
Like many mental health conditions, there is no one cause or risk-factor for the disorder. However, the National Institute of Mental Health have studied various conditions that may increase one’s risk of having major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. These studied factors that may increase prevalence of the disorder include:
- Younger individuals are at higher risk
- Women are more likely than men to experience this condition
- Prevalence increases among people living in higher/northern latitudes
Treatment and Therapies
Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used as it helps teach individuals how to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.
- Antidepressants
- Like other forms, this type of depression is associated with disturbances in serotonin, which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat.
- Vitamin D
- Many people with this disorder, especially those with a winter pattern, have a vitamin D deficiency. Due to this, nutritional supplements of vitamin D may help improve their symptoms.
- Light therapy
- Light therapy has been used since the 1980s to help treat the winter pattern type of this depressive disorder. Patients of this therapy sit in front of a very bright light (10,000 lux) each morning for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more, the following resources are suggested:
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