Seasonal Affective Disorder: Myth or Mental Health Reality?

Have you ever felt a shift in your mood as the seasons change? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) could be the reason behind those feelings, leaving many wondering if it's a real struggle or just a myth. Dive in to discover how this condition impacts countless lives and learn effective ways to manage seasonal mood changes.

Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) A Myth?

Many people experience distressing mental health symptoms in certain climates or during specific types of weather. Others may find that changing seasons trigger a disaccord with their environment and mood. Although not its own category in the DSM-5, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurring major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, with symptoms similar to major depressive disorder.

While many individuals experience symptoms of this affective condition, others may believe it is a myth or should not be considered in treatment. Learning more about SAD and how it might impact you can be beneficial when understanding whether the condition is a “myth.”

What is seasonal affective disorder?

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a subset of major depressive disorder due to seasonal changes. For many, symptoms begin in autumn and continue throughout winter. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are the same as major depressive disorder, including:

• Low mood
• Thoughts of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty with memory, focus, or cognitive function
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with self-care
• Irritability

Vitamin D deficiency may sometimes cause winter-specific depression. One study showed a connection between a lack of vitamin D and depressive symptoms. The sun is a significant provider of vitamin D. In areas where winter months are long, or there is heavy cloud cover or rain, individuals might experience symptoms of seasonal depression.

Although many people experience this type of depression during autumn or winter, some individuals also experience the health condition in response to the summer months. People experiencing this form of seasonal depression may feel irritable, stressed, or depressed in response to heat. Symptoms may also be connected to thyroid difficulties.

Is seasonal depressive disorder a myth?

As modern psychologists further study the human mind, some psychologists have published reports believing that seasonal affective disorder does not exist. For example, Megan Traffanstedt, Sheila Mehta, and Steven LoBello of Auburn University at Montgomery published a study in the journal of Clinical Psychological Science arguing a lack of substantial evidence for a seasonal-based modifier on major depressive disorder.

The study claims “a cross-sectional US survey of adults completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) Depression Scale,” which is a study “designed to determine if a seasonally related pattern of occurrence of major depress could be demonstrated in a population-based study.”

The study questioned 34,294 adults ranging in age from 18 to 99 years. The PHQ-8 asked eight questions about if and how often the participants experienced a particular depressive symptom during the previous two weeks. The results showed that depression levels did not correlate with seasonal changes. Season, the latitude of residence with a season, nor sunlight exposure significantly affected depression scores.

Lobello, Mehta, and Traffanstedt cited a report by Hansen et al. in 2008, which found no increase in depression symptoms by residents of northern Norway during a two-month dark period of eternal night north of the arctic circle. Nor did the report claim a decrease in mental distress during the polar day of perpetual daylight.

“The idea that depression occurs along with seasonal changes or worsens in winter appears to be a well-entrenched folk theory,” the study claims.

Evidence supporting seasonal affective disorder

Although there may be studies against this condition, many scientists find supporting evidence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Steven D. Targum, MD, and Norman Rosenthal, MD, published an article in the journal of Psychiatry where Dr. Rosenthal states, “6% of the US population, primarily in northern climates, is affected by SAD in its most marked form. Another 14% of the adult US population [experiences] a lesser form of seasonal mood changes, known as winter blues.”

The pair also studied Norway’s residents, like LoBello, Mehta, and Traffanstedt. However, Targum and Rosenthal found that 14% of Oslo, Norway residents displayed SAD symptoms. For comparison, 4.7% of New York City residents exhibited symptoms of SAD.

“In fact,” writes Dr. Rosenthal, “someone may have winter blues while living in southern climates and convert to full-blown SAD if they move to a northern climate.” This study shows that geographic locations with more extended periods of constant darkness might cause higher levels of depression as opposed to southern locations with more bright light throughout the year.

In another study, Sue Penckofer, Ph.D., RN, Joanne Kouba, Ph.D., RD, Mary Byrn, BSN, RN, and Carol Estwing Ferrans, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, published an article in Issues in Mental Health Nursing discussing the relationship between vitamin D and depression. Their material cites a study of 29 randomized patients divided into two groups, including 16 with SAD and 13 controls.

These patients received either one hour or 15 minutes of seasonal affective disorder light therapy each morning for two weeks during winter when SAD is often most prominent. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased in the SAD group receiving one hour of light therapy versus the control group. This study indicates that natural sunlight lamps may benefit those experiencing seasonal winter depression.

The verdict

While studies may suggest seasonal affective disorder does not exist, most studies support the DSM in labeling it as a subset of depression.

Dr. Targum and Dr. Rosenthal both found increases in depression during winter months, emphasizing the comparison of Norway versus New York City. Sue Penckofer, Joanne Kouba, Mary Byrn, and Carol Estwing Ferrans discussed patients with SAD reporting fewer symptoms of depression after attending light therapy treatments.

Therefore, while some scientists may argue against the existence of seasonal affective disorder, compelling evidence in much more significant amounts continually supports the presence of the disorder.

Finding support for seasonal affective disorder

There are several treatment options for seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a popular treatment method where patients sit near a light therapy box that gives off a bright light, mimicking natural outdoor light. This can be particularly effective for those experiencing winter-pattern SAD.

Therapeutic counseling with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s telehealth platform can help address the psychological aspects of SAD. Through secure video sessions, clients can work with their therapist to develop coping strategies for seasonal mood changes, identify negative thought patterns, and learn techniques to manage symptoms.

For those experiencing barriers to in-person services, ReachLink’s virtual therapy approach offers convenience and flexibility. Clients can schedule sessions that work with their lifestyle and receive support from the comfort of their own home, which can be especially valuable during winter months when travel may be difficult.

It’s important to note that while ReachLink provides comprehensive therapeutic counseling services, we do not prescribe medications. If medication might be beneficial for your SAD symptoms, your ReachLink therapist can coordinate care with your primary care physician or provide appropriate referrals to qualified medical professionals who can evaluate you for antidepressants or vitamin D supplements.

Our licensed clinical social workers can also help you develop a holistic approach to managing SAD, including lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and environmental changes that may help alleviate symptoms. Research shows that telehealth therapy can be as effective as in-person treatment for many mental health conditions, including depression with seasonal patterns.

Takeaway

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) remains a viable explanation for feeling down in the winter when natural light becomes more limited. While some scientists claim this type of depression does not exist, many studies prove it can occur, and it remains a subset of depression in the DSM-5. If you suspect you have SAD but aren’t sure where to start, ReachLink’s professional counseling services can provide a supportive environment to address your seasonal mood changes and develop effective coping strategies.