What is the Cause of Season Affective Disorder
Where Does SAD Come From?
There is an increased risk of getting SAD the farther away one lives from the equator. Women have more of chance to get SAD than men. If there is a family history of depression with blood related family members one is more likely to get the condition.
Like all depression brain chemistry plays a big part of Seasonal affective disorder. With this disorder the specific chemistry that may be involved is serotonin; a neurotransmitter; melatonin; a hormone and dopamine. When these get out of balance then SAD or depression of some sort occurs. All of these chemicals are directly related to sunlight. So not getting enough sunlight is defiantly a factor.
All of these chemicals have something to do with setting our body rhythms and sleep patterns. That is another factor is having Seasonal Affective Disorder.
These three chemicals also have a lot to do with our energy levels. While this information does not help us cure SAD is does help to have a more effective management.
There is not a lab test for Seasonal Affective Disorder. A physician will go through a series of detailed questions to make the diagnosis. In order to have a diagnosis of SAD there has to be a "major depressive episode".
The determination of a major depressive episode is having a least five of the symptoms listed below. They must last at least two weeks and display in the same period of time. This must represent a change from normal behavior. The symptoms will not be considered if they have another medical cause.
* depressed mood ( in adolescents this typically displays in irritability)
* insomnia
* hypersomnia
* definite diminished interest in interest and pleasure of all activities
* significant change in weight (either increase or decrease)
* diminished ability to concentrate, think and make decisions
Seasonal Affective Disorder often runs in families. A pattern begins to become obvious. As soon as the symptoms begin to appear the patient should begin to find things to help with management. Once a patient determines the disorder is present it is essential to make the changes needed for each season change.
Understanding how any kind of depression may be able to help in understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder. There may be many tools like light therapy, exercise, healthy eating and regular sleep habits that will make things much easier to handle.
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