Seasonal Depressive Disorder

Excerpt

Seasonal depressive disorder is a condition known to occur to a small part of the United States population. It is also called seasonal affective disorder. It is dominant in areas known to experience lower sunlight levels at certain times of the year, most commonly at the change of seasons, particularly in late fall and continuing into winter, but it can also happen in the spring and summer. Symptoms related to SAD include inattentiveness, hopelessness, depression, social withdrawal, and fatigue. The symptoms have to be recurrent only during a particular time of the year for two consecutive years. It follows the recovery period after each seasonal period is over. The condition is treatable by medications, cognitive behavior therapy, and other options include vitamin D supplementation, light therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy in some cases.

Seasonal affective disorder is classified as depression related to climate and seasonal weather changes. It shares similar symptoms with other modes of depression. Most factors pertaining to the cause-and-effect mechanisms of SAD are yet to be unearthed. However, several hypotheses have been put forth regarding the disease, and they show promise in delivering more information to scientists and medical personnel. For instance, a diagnosis of the disease is only made once a recurrence of the same symptoms has been established. The use of hormonal and light therapies affects an individual’s circadian rhythm, hence the need for concrete proof of recurrence.