Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has become part of our everyday language over the last several years. However, it’s a diagnosis that is often tossed around without a full understanding of what SAD truly is. Technically, SAD is not a formal diagnosis within the DSM-5-TR. Rather, the DSM-5-TR delineates a “with seasonal pattern” specifier for Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder (DSM-5-TR, 2022).
The American Psychological Association (APA, 2023) notes that SAD is a “type of depression that lasts for a season, typically the winter months, and goes away during the rest of the year.” Similarly, the NIH(2023) describes 2 subsets of SAD: winter-pattern and summer-pattern. As the names indicate, winter-pattern SAD typically occurs during the fall/winter with resolution in the spring/summer and summer-pattern SAD occurs during the spring/summer with resolution in the fall/winter. SAD typically begins in young adulthood and is more common in women than men. Additionally, winter-pattern SAD is much more common than summer-pattern SAD. Studies have found that SAD is more common in people living in the North, likely as a result of shorter daylight hours in the winter (NIH, 2023).
Symptoms of SAD are similar to Major Depressive Disorder. Specifically, the APA (2023) notes that individuals suffering with seasonal depression often experience fatigue, pervasively sad mood, anhedonia, difficulties with sleep, excessive crying, appetite changes, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts related to suicide. Similarly, the NIH (2023) notes that individuals may experience anxiety, irritability, guilt/shame, poor concentration, and physical pain/aches. There are some subtle differences in symptoms between winter-pattern and summer-pattern SAD. Specifically, winter-pattern SAD often includes overeating, social withdrawal, and increased sleep. Conversely, summer-pattern SAD often includes insomnia, decreased appetite, restlessness/agitation, anxiety, and aggressive behavior (NIH, 2023).
While SAD is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR, it remains a common phrase within our culture. It is also a fairly common pattern and experience of depression. Further, while many may feel that they simply need to push through their difficult seasons, there are treatment options available that can assist in reducing suffering.
About the Author
Dr. Montes is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-owner of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center in Chesapeake, VA.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023, October 30). Seasonal affective disorder. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder
Desk reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-5-TR. (2022). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Seasonal affective disorder. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=Seasonal%20affective%20disorder%2C%20or%20SAD,antidepressants%20can%20help%20treat%20SAD.
National Institute of Mental Health (Ed.). (2023). Seasonal affective disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Rohan, K. (2013). Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/02/seasonal-disorder
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