Seasonal affective disorder is also known as winter depression. It is called as such because it only occurs during cold days or usually during winter. A person with this disorder has normal mental health for the whole year except during winter or cold days. There are cases wherein people experience extreme changes in mood when seasons are changing.

A person with seasonal affective disorder often feels restless and unable to do activities of daily living. Depression and lethargy are also common. At times, elevation of mood and feelings of aggression may also happen. All of these manifestations occur yearly. Whats more odd is that it occurs specifically at a certain period. In addition to the symptoms, people with seasonal affective disorder may also experience feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and loneliness. Social withdrawal may also be present. People with seasonal affective disorder have tendencies of becoming overweight due to overeating. Experts have linked the disorder to light exposure which is why it happens during change of season.

The main reason for the occurrence of such a disorder is not yet traced but medical professionals have deduced that it may be somehow connected to several factors such as gender, genes, and some hormones and neurotransmitters. Experts have also found out some commonalities among people with seasonal affective disorder. They have found out that the circadian rhythm of these people is erratic. Melatonin levels are also abnormal. Melatonin is a sleep related hormone that can cause depression like symptoms. The body actually produces more melatonin during a cold climate, which makes people sleep even more.

Aside from the circadian rhythm and melatonin, experts have also found out that people with seasonal affective disorder have low levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the modulation of anger, body temperature, sleep, appetite, and metabolism. With all of these associated factors, a disruption in the levels of serotonin would definitely be a cause of a lot of dysfunctions. Patients with low levels of serotonin often manifest feelings of depression or depression-like symptoms.

Feeling sad is normal especially if it is caused by circumstances. However, if sadness is prolonged and the person can no longer do normal activities due to extreme sadness, then it is already a big problem and the person should consider consulting a health care professional. Patients diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder are also observed for possibilities of bipolar disorders and major depressive disorders.

People with seasonal affective disorder will not have to worry because there are various treatments that are available. Usually, light therapy is given because experts have associated this disorder with exposure to light. The therapy is called bright light treatment wherein a specialized light is used to expose the person to strong lights. The person will sit at a distance from the lamp and will be exposed to intensive light for thirty minutes. The exposure can even last for one hour.

Replacement of hormones is also done to treat patients with seasonal affective disorder. Melatonin is given as well as serotonin. This is to relieve the symptoms of depression. The drug given is classified under Serum Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or better known as SSRIs.

Patients with seasonal affective disorder may need a stronger support system so that they can overcome their disorder. Therefore, relatives as well as significant others should be able to provide emotional support to these patients.