Verified By Apollo Neurologist July 23, 2023
3729SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a form of depression which displays a periodic seasonal pattern drastically dropping your energy levels and impacting your mood, causing multiple mood swings. It is a severe mental health issue and is perceived as a societal taboo.
In India, more than 10 million people suffer from SAD, and the symptoms trigger during the same time of the year, especially during the beginning of the fall season and last up to the winters. However, most people also complain about the symptoms of SAD occurring in spring or during the early summers.
It is crucial to notice the triggering factors of SAD. Diagnosis is made, when you meet all the criteria of depression together with particular reasons. If you see a change in mood during the beginning of seasons like summer or winter, you are likely to have one of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The only thing different in this type of depression is that it is recurrent, following the same pattern of occurrence every season throughout the year.
Most of the SAD Symptoms are similar (akin to several types of depression), but there is a difference in seasonal pattern formation, which helps in diagnosing the type of depression. Let us go through some common symptoms of SAD:
If the above symptoms match your present well-being, there is a possibility that you are suffering from SAD. To confirm, you need to see whether or not these factors are subjected to your situation.
SAD is not a critical disorder. Once diagnosed, you can get yourself treated by medical professionals. The treatment generally includes medication, light therapy, regular workout, communication, and psychotherapy.
The precautionary measures that you should take when diagnosed with SAD include:
Depression or not, it is always advised to consume a well-balanced and nutritional diet throughout the day. If you are diagnosed with SAD, consume fresh fruits & vegetables daily to sustain your energy levels.
SAD can make you crave for carbohydrates and sugar, but adding them to your appetite will only make you feel tired. Eating whole-grain bread, oatmeal, bananas, brown rice, and other low-fat dietary food can help you feel active. Furthermore, eating food rich in omega-3 fats, such as soybean, walnut, oily fish, and flaxseeds, can be helpful. It is said that omega-3 fats aid in managing and improving mood swings.
What hormone causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The exact causes are still being researched. However, researchers found that the imbalance of serotonin, which is known to affect the mood cycle, causes SAD. Sometimes the imbalance of melatonin can also cause SAD, as this hormone regulates sleep.
Can you be diagnosed with SAD?
Yes, if your depression occurs similar to the same season cycle in the year, then you are diagnosed with SAD.
Does vitamin D help with SAD?
No, it does not help with SAD. Researchers found that vitamin D supplement has an insignificant effect on the outcomes of SAD.
Does SAD get worse with age?
As it is commonly diagnosed in youngsters in their late teens, SAD’s risk generally decreases with age.
What is the best treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The first line of order is to contact your doctor, and based on the diagnosis, he/she will give you the necessary treatment. With regular workout, light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication, you can reduce SAD’s effects.