Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression which, as its name suggests, has a seasonal pattern. The onset is usually September/October and continuing until March or April and tends to be at its worst between December and February which is why it is also often known as the winter depression.

SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain due to shorter daylight hours and a lack of sunlight in the winter months. It may first appear at any age though it most commonly occurs between the ages of 18-30. It is also more common the further north or south you move away from the equator, this is due to the longer and darker winters of the northern and southern hemispheres compared to countries nearer the equator.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder shares many of the symptoms that are found in normal depression. These include physical and psychological symptoms such as:

  • Low moods
  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair
  • Low self esteem
  • Lack of motivation
  • Irritability
  • Feeling anxious
  • Lethargy
  • Reduced sex drive

Unlike normal depression which often results in a lack of appetite, another common symptom of SAD is a craving for certain food types which can lead to over eating and weight gain.

Many people experience milder forms of the above symptoms during the winter months this is known as sub-syndromal SAD or winter blues and generally does not require any treatment.

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder

A number of treatment options are available for SAD. Light Therapy using specially designed light boxes that emits light of a minimum 2500 lux has been found to be effective. Talking treatments such as psychotherapy and counselling are also useful for helping people cope with their symptoms.

In more severe case antidepressant medication may also be prescribed. Finally there are a number of ways people can help improve their symptoms by changing their lifestyle. These include making your living and working environment as light as possible, getting regular outdoor exercise and generally trying to expose yourself to as much natural sunlight as possible.

How can Cygnet Health help?

We offer private and confidential treatment for all psychiatric conditions, including seasonal affective disorder.

With an extensive range of therapy options and differing fee structures we will help you design a treatment schedule to suit your individual needs and time-constraints.

We offer the following:

  • 1 to 1 individual sessions at times to suit you
  • group therapy sessions on different days/evenings
  • residential treatment, when necessary

Our private outpatient and inpatient psychiatric services can be accessed at the following locations:

Useful Websites

  • Depression Alliance

    Depression Alliance is the leading UK charity for people with depression. Their aim is to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services to those who are affected by it via our publications, supporter services and network of self-help groups for people affected by depression.

  • Mind

    Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. They work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.

  • NHS Direct

    Health advice and information provided by the NHS.

  • NICE Guidance for Depression

    The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's guidance for the management of depression in primary and secondary care.

  • SADA

    The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA) offers help and support to those suffering from SAD or winter blues.

  • Samaritans

    Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.