Seasonal Affective Disorder: Does it Affect You?

You have probably heard about Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is otherwise referred to as SAD. However, chances are that you may know the facts about this mental health disorder which affects the moods of humans. Do you have any idea who it most commonly affects and how it affects them? If so, you have come to the right place. Here, we will take a closer look at SAD and how it may affect you.

What is the Cause of SAD?

Winter days which are short, dark and cold are thought to be the main cause of SAD. SAD especially tends to affect people who move from a Southern, warmer climate to a Northern, colder climate. Other things which are thought to be the cause of SAD include an irregular amount of serotonin, or a change in the body's natural clock.

When Do The Symptoms of SAD Occur? What are They?

The symptoms which will be experienced with SAD tend to occur at different times for different people. In general, they will begin in autumn or the beginning of winter. Although some people may begin to experience their symptoms as early as in the beginning of September, others will not begin to experience symptoms until as late as December. The most common causes of SAD include anxiety, irritability, constant drowsiness, lack of concentration, sadness, and an increased appetite for carbohydrates and sweet foods which leads to weight gain. Most people will find that the symptoms that affect them by SAD will end as soon as spring arrives. This, again, is different for different people. Some people will find that they will no longer have symptoms by March while others will have their symptoms until May.

Who is Most Likely to be Affected?

The truth is that SAD can affect just about anybody. However, there are certain people which it tends to affect the most often. For example, women are more likely to be affected by SAD. In fact, between seventy-five and ninety percent of people who are affected by SAD are women. Women who are in their late teenage years or who have reached young adulthood are the women who are the most at risk for developing SAD. As you get older, your risk for developing Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to increase. Most commonly, however, the people who are affected are ones who have moved from a warmer climate to a colder climate.

What To Do If You Have Symptoms

The first thing that you should be sure to do if you feel that you have symptoms which may be caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder is see your doctor. You will be diagnosed according to whether or not you have experienced these symptoms which came in winter and left in spring for at least two years in a row, or preferably more. The treatment which you will experience will then depend on your doctor, although most doctors will begin you with light therapy. With this type of treatment, you will sit near artificial bright lights for a certain amount of time during the day. Antidepressants are also common treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder.