Seasonal Affective Disorder Is a Type of Mood Disorder That Makes a Person Feel Depressed or Anxious, and People with Mental Health Issues Are More Prone To This Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder has a high prevalence all over the world, especially in regions such as the US, Singapore, and Italy. Seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD is a serious form of depression that is triggered by changes in seasonal rhythms. As people age, their bodies fail to produce the correct amount of serotonin, a crucial element in keeping the brain and body healthy. When serotonin levels are low, depression can set in. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects about 2% of the population and can range from mild to severe. SAD usually begins and ends at around the same time each year.

While seasonal affective disorder can make individuals sad, depressed, and anxious, it is also critical to first understand the underlying cause of these symptoms. The body seems to react to the changes of the seasons in different ways. The amount of melatonin in the body is reduced in the winter, individuals may notice trouble sleeping or staying asleep. Low melatonin levels are often caused by an artificial light source during the day, especially during the flu season. Patients may also be sensitive to the light of the sun, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency. The late bedtime hours are particularly bad for triggering seasonal affective disorder. The lack of melatonin also affects moods, making the person feel irritable and sad. In regions such as the United States, owing to the current lifestyle of people there is a high prevalence of seasonal affective disorder. For instance, according to Boston University, in 2019 seasonal affective disorder affected more than 10 million US residents.

Certain symptoms of seasonal affective disorder mimic those of seasonal affective disorder and include constant moodiness, low energy, fatigue, and depression. Many people who have this disorder also experience frequent headaches and muscle pain. The lack of sleep and low energy makes it hard for people to concentrate and work properly. To accurately diagnose seasonal affective disorder, healthcare providers need to rule out other possible conditions. The primary care providers will likely do a comprehensive physical exam and ask about symptoms, lifestyle, and dietary factors.