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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Last reviewed: July 24, 2024

Reviewed by , Dr. Jessica DPN, RN, CEN is a registered nurse and educator with 20 years of experience in critical care emergency nursing, specializing in patient care, education, and evidence-based practice. She holds multiple certifications and serves as a Patient Safety Coordinator.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to changing seasons. Often referred to as “winter depression,” the symptoms of SAD are typically more noticeable and severe in the winter, although some people may experience them during the summer instead.

Feeling a bit down during the colder months is somewhat common, and this milder version of SAD is known as the “winter blues.” In the USA, about 5% of adults suffer from seasonal affective disorder, with symptoms usually starting in early adulthood. SAD affects women more than men, with a ratio of 75:25.

Symptoms of SAD

SAD a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Symptoms typically last 4 to 5 months each year and are similar to those of depression. While individuals with SAD may not experience all the symptoms, some common ones include:

Causes

The exact causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are not fully understood. However, some hypotheses suggest that reduced exposure to sunlight during autumn and winter affects certain brain functions, leading to:

Additionally, genetics may play a role, as some cases of SAD run in families.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing seasonal affective disorder (SAD):

Treatments

Following a diagnosis, healthcare providers tailor treatments based on individual symptoms. Some people may require a combination of treatments, including:

References

Last reviewed and updated by on Jul 24, 2024

Dr. Jessica DPN, RN, CEN is a registered nurse and educator with 20 years of experience in critical care emergency nursing, specializing in patient care, education, and evidence-based practice. She holds multiple certifications and serves as a Patient Safety Coordinator.

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