For some people, the change in season can bring with it a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. You may start feeling “down” as the days get shorter in the fall and winter. In severe cases, these mood changes may affect your thoughts, feelings, and overall quality of life. If you’ve noticed significant mood and behavioral changes when the seasons change, it could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression known as winter depression or seasonal depression. People with SAD experience mood changes and other symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during winter and fall months and improve at the arrival of spring.
The most difficult months for people who suffer from SAD tend to be worse in December, January, and February. However, a few people experience SAD during the summer months. Seasonal depression is more than just “winter blues.” The symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with your daily functioning. The good news is that SAD is treatable.
How Common is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Millions of adults in the United States suffer from seasonal affective disorder. About 5% of US adults experience SAD every year. It tends to start in young adulthood, between 18 and 30 and is more common in women than men. SAD typically lasts about 40% of the year. About 10 to 20% of people will experience a milder form of seasonal depression.
SAD is more common among those who live further north, where daylight hours are shorter in winter. For instance, those living in New England and Alaska are more likely to develop winter depression than those in Florida. A family history of SAD may increase the likelihood of experiencing the condition. Certain conditions may increase the risk of SAD, including bipolar disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder,
