Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) starts during adulthood and worsens as an individual grows older. According to the Mayo Clinic, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs due to changes in season. Seasonal affective disorder is different for individuals depending on their symptoms before the seasonal changes. The Mayo Clinic mentions that the specific causes of seasonal affective disorder are unknown. Still, some factors that could play a significant part are changes in time for daylight saving time, serotonin levels, and melatonin levels. The reduced level of sunlight during the shorter fall and winter days may disrupt the body’s internal clock and levels of sleep, leading to feelings of depression. During shorter winter days, changes in serotonin and melatonin can occur. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that acts as a mood stabilizer, could play a role in the disorder because it affects the moods of individuals. Melatonin is also essential because it plays a role in our sleep patterns. Here are some signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
Symptoms:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Frequent thoughts of suicide
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anti-social behavior
Fall & Winter:
- Low energy
- Appetite increases
- Weight gain
- Oversleeping
- Feeling sad/moody
Spring & Summer:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Feelings of anxiety and/or agitation
Seasonal affective disorder can be diagnosed by a health care provider or a mental health specialist by expressing any of the symptoms listed above. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disorder can also be diagnosed with physical exams, lab tests, and psychological evaluations. Typically, the depressive episodes and symptoms must occur during a specific season for at least two years. Note that not all adults diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder experience the listed symptoms.
As previously mentioned, this disorder is a specific type of depression that is more apparent in older adults. Older adults are more likely to be isolated due to fewer social connections and gatherings with family and friends due to health-related issues or mobility impairments during the winter season. As a result, they are more likely to become diagnosed with the disorder. Women are also typically more likely to be diagnosed with this condition than men.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no specific way to prevent the development of the seasonal affective disorder. However, early steps can be taken to manage the symptoms before they worsen over time. As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), four main types of treatments for the disorder can include light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, and vitamin D. Other treatable ways that older adults can consider in their daily routine is the following:
- Spending time with family and friends
- Eating a balanced diet by consuming lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables
- Eliminating sugary foods, sodas, and sweets
- Committing to at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, e.g., walking, swimming, & chair yoga
- Limiting the intake of alcohol to one or two glasses per week
- Making the home environment sunnier and brighter
- Normalizing sleep patterns
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By: Gissell Salazar
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student at California State University Long Beach
