Seasonal Anxiety Disorder

Seasonal anxiety disorder is a common name for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs around the same time period each year. Symptoms usually begin in the fall and continue until spring.

Definition

• SAD occurs in cycles according to the season. Individuals commonly start feeling sad or depressed in the fall and the symptoms of depression worsen as the winter continues.

Symptoms

• Depression is the main symptom, as well as feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, fatigue and sadness. Individuals experiencing SAD tend to oversleep and overindulge in food.

Causes

• The body's biological clock needs light to thrive. When the days become shorter and natural light sources are less available, the body can shut down. The changing seasons disrupts melatonin levels, which regulate mood and sleep patterns. Being female and having a family history of depression also increase the likelihood of experiencing SAD.

Tests

• No medical test exists to identify SAD. Physicians rely on detailed questions and physical exams to provide clues to the patient's depression.

Treatment

• Light therapy is most often used to treat SAD. The patient spends time in a light therapy box that mimics natural light. Antidepressants and psychotherapy may be used in combination with light therapy for the most successful results.