SAD

What is the Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be described in two main ways:

1. **General Description**

Seasonal depression, also known as winter or summer affective disorder, causes a person to experience clinical depression, pronounced mood swings, severe drowsiness, irritability, and extreme fatigue during certain times of the year.

2. **Seasonal Depression Symptoms:**

**In Winter:**

- Persistent fatigue throughout the day

- Difficulty concentrating

- Feelings of hopelessness

- Disinterest in social activities

- Reduced libido

- Increased emotional irritability

- Weight gain

- Physical discomfort

**In Summer:**

- Trouble sleeping

- Loss of appetite

- Weight loss

- Increased restlessness

- Feelings of fear or mental agitation

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Why Does This Disorder Occur?

The exact cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or Major Depressive Disorder with a seasonal pattern, is still unknown. The contributing factors can vary between individuals. However, people living in areas with long nights in winter (due to higher latitudes) and limited sunlight during the day are more likely to suffer from this disorder.

One theory suggests that reduced sunlight affects the body’s biological clock, which regulates the secretion of hormones, mood, and sleep patterns. Another theory posits that chemicals in the brain, whose secretion depends on light, are disrupted in people with SAD.

Additionally, individuals with a family history of mental disorders are often at higher risk of developing SAD.

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What Causes SAD?

Seasonal depression is rooted in psychological, biological, and environmental factors.

- **Biological Theory:** Reduced sunlight may disrupt the body’s internal biological clock, impacting hormone secretion, mood regulation, and sleep patterns.

- **Chemical Theory:** Light-sensitive chemicals in the brain may be disrupted in people with SAD, affecting their mood and energy levels.

Moreover, those with a family history of mental disorders are typically at higher risk.

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Why is SAD More Common in Women?

Approximately 80% (or 70%, according to the World Health Organization) of those affected by seasonal depression are women. While there is no definitive explanation for this, several factors may contribute to the higher prevalence in women:

- **Genetic and Environmental Factors:** Genetic predispositions, stressful life events, and environmental changes such as seasonal transitions can contribute to higher rates of depression in women.

- **Biological Factors:** Biologists attribute the increased depression in women to their menstrual cycle and reproductive system, particularly during their reproductive years.

- **Increased Awareness:** Women tend to be more aware of their mental health and are more likely to seek psychological help when experiencing symptoms of depression. This may account for the higher reported rates of SAD among women.

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Recommendations for Managing SAD:

Here are some tips that may help improve the mood of those affected by seasonal depression:

- Increase daily activities and spend more time outdoors to get fresh air and sunlight.

- Use bright white light in your home.

- Get up early, exercise regularly, and incorporate the scent of flowers and plants into your routine.

- Maintain a consistent daily schedule.

- Eat a balanced diet.

- Engage in social activities and group events to help improve overall mood.