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What to know about seasonal affective disorder: a Q & A with two mental health providers
We asked two mental health providers at Oscar Medical Group to share some insights on SAD.
General Health
5 min read
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A lot can change when fall begins: the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, which can impact our routines, lifestyles, and moods. For some, this time of year can cause the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD): a type of depression that occurs when the seasons change. The most common type of SAD begins in the early winter and subsides in the spring, although some people experience symptoms during summer months, and feel relief in the winter.
SAD is considered a type of depression, therefore, the symptoms are aligned with those of major depressive disorder. Signs of SAD may include:
Feeling down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or sleep cycle
Feeling sluggish or fatigued
Feeling hopeless
Difficulty concentrating
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
For those experiencing SAD during the winter months, oversleeping, overeating, and social withdrawal are also common symptoms.
If you notice these changes in how you feel during the fall or winter months, there is help available. We asked Tiffeny Kombate, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Stephany Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, two providers at Oscar Medical Group, to share some insights on SAD. Check out their thoughts below.
Who is at risk for SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk:
Women: SAD is diagnosed more often in women than in men.
People who live far from the equator: SAD is more frequent in people who live far north or south of the equator. This is due to decreased sunlight during the winter and longer days during the summer months.
Age: Young adults, particularly those in their late teens or early twenties, have a higher risk of developing SAD.
Family history: People with a family history of depression are more likely to develop SAD than people who do not have such a history.
Having clinical depression or bipolar disorder: Symptoms of depression may worsen seasonally if you have one of these conditions. People who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk of seasonal affective disorder. In some people with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania may be linked to a specific season. During the spring and summer, one may experience symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), anxiety, agitation and irritability. They may also experience depression during the fall and winter months.
What causes SAD?
The exact cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not known, but it's commonly linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. The main theories include:
Melatonin Production: The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.
Serotonin Levels: Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, which might lead to depression.
Circadian Rhythm: The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm), leading to feelings of depression.
Vitamin D deficiency: Some studies suggest that a lack of Vitamin D could also play a role in SAD.
It's likely that each of these factors contributes to the disorder in different ways in different people.
How is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) different from other forms of depression?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subtype of major depressive disorder that has a seasonal pattern. While SAD shares similarities with other forms of depression, there are some key differences:
Seasonal pattern: SAD follows a predictable pattern, typically occurring during specific seasons, most commonly in fall and winter. In contrast, other forms of depression are not tied to specific seasons and can occur at any time of the year.
Symptom onset and remission: SAD tends to have a seasonal onset, with symptoms emerging as the affected season approaches and remitting as the season changes. Other types of depression may have more varied and unpredictable onset and remission patterns.
Light sensitivity: SAD is often associated with increased sensitivity to changes in light exposure. A lack of sunlight during shorter days in the winter months is believed to trigger or exacerbate symptoms. This light sensitivity is not a prominent feature of other forms of depression.
Sleep and appetite changes: Individuals with SAD often experience hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) and increased appetite, particularly cravings for carbohydrates. These symptoms are less characteristic of other types of depression.
Response to seasonal changes: People with SAD tend to experience improvement or remission of symptoms as the seasons change, often feeling better in spring and summer. In contrast, individuals with non-seasonal forms of depression may not see such clear fluctuations according to seasons.
It's important to note that SAD can also coexist with other forms of depression or be associated with other mental health conditions. If you suspect you or someone you know has SAD or another form of depression, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How can SAD be treated?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be effectively treated with various approaches. Here are some common treatment options:
Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressant medications, to help manage symptoms of SAD. These medications can help regulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and improve mood.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be making you feel worse. You'll also learn healthy ways to cope with SAD and manage stress. It can also provide coping strategies to manage seasonal mood changes.
Lifestyle modifications: Adopting healthy lifestyle practices can contribute to managing SAD symptoms. This includes regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and establishing a daily routine.
Vitamin D supplementation: Some studies suggest a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and SAD. Having good vitamin D levels in the body may help with emotional brain circuitry, controlling sleep patterns, and reducing symptoms of depression.
If you’ve noticed changes in your mood or haven’t been feeling like yourself, help is available. Your Oscar Care Team can help you navigate your mental health benefits: you can reach them at 1-855-672-2788 to get support.
We’ve partnered with Optum to curate our network of mental health doctors and open doors to additional resources for our members. The code for Oscar members is OHP. As a part of your Oscar benefits through Optum, you receive 24/7 crisis support. Optum has clinical support staff available around the clock to assist in the event of a mental health crisis. You can reach them at (877)-855-1317.
