Treating and Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder

Author: Northwestern Medicine
Published: 2014/11/23 - Updated: 2020/02/05
Topic: Psychological Disorders - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Lack of sunlight during winter months can cause subtype of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where episodes of depression occur during the same time every year. The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but experts believe changes in melatonin and serotonin levels or a disruption in the body's internal clock could be to blame.

Introduction

The holiday season is often associated with family gatherings and cheerful spirits, but that's not the case for everyone.

Focus

For some, the lack of sunlight during winter months can actually cause a subtype of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where episodes of depression regularly occur during the same time every year. SAD may affect up to nine percent of Americans depending on latitude, although women may be at higher risk for developing SAD during their reproductive years.

Symptoms usually start in late fall, and often last until early spring.

The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but experts believe changes in melatonin and serotonin levels or a disruption in the body's internal clock could be to blame, said Northwestern Medicine psychiatrist Pedro Dago, MD.

"If you're experiencing significant functional impairment associated with the changes in season, it's time to get some help," says Dago, who is also an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"Understand that SAD is not just a case of the winter blues, but a serious problem for many people and that it can be treated. Talk to your doctor if you are suffering from symptoms."

Those who suffer from SAD have the following symptoms:

Traditional treatments for SAD include psychotherapy, medication and therapeutic light therapy but Dago recommends first talking to your doctor to determine appropriate therapies and treatment. He also suggests the following tips:

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Northwestern Medicine and published on 2014/11/23, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Northwestern Medicine can be contacted at www.nm.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Cite This Page: Northwestern Medicine. (2014, November 23 - Last revised: 2020, February 5). Treating and Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved May 19, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/psychological/sad.php

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