Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that is contingent on the seasons. Most sufferers of seasonal affective disorder experience depression in the late fall and winter, although a small percentage experience it in the late spring and summer.
Fast Facts
- Alternate name: Seasonal depression
- A type of depression and mood disorder
- Affects 1/2 million people every winter1
Symptoms
Causes
Researchers theorize that seasonal affective disorder is caused by the change in light levels, since for most sufferers it is triggered by low light levels during the fall and winter months. The chances of having the disorder increase the further one lives from the equator. Other factors that may cause seasonal affective disorder are abnormal melatonin levels, drops in serotonin, or disruption of one's circadian rhythm2
Treatment
Seasonal affective disorder can be treated with medications or light therapy.3 While the medications used to treat seasonal affective disorder include a number of antidepressants, some patients respond well to light therapy. Since the problem for most patients is a decrease in sunlight levels, some choose to relocate to regions closer to the equator (for example, from Seattle to Los Angeles) in order to remedy their seasonal affective disorder.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician for information on seasonal affective disorder.
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