How Is SAD Different from Depression?
As a subset of depression, the definition of seasonal affective disorder can sometimes feel a bit murky. While SAD is not a stand-alone mood disorder, it is distinct from other forms of depression because it follows a seasonal pattern.
In other words, a person with seasonal affective disorder will see their symptoms heighten and lessen as the seasons change. Here are a few other stand-out features of SAD:
- Women between the ages of 18 and 30 are at a higher risk for SAD.
- It is most common amongst people living at latitudes far south or north of the equator.
- It is sometimes associated with other mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or major depression.
- People living in cloudy regions are also at a higher risk for the disorder.
SAD also differs from other types of depression in its treatment options. Although the cause of seasonal affective disorder is not clear, there are many theories.
Some research indicates that a brain chemical imbalance or a change in a person’s biological clock could be the culprit. Other experts speculate that a deficiency of vitamin D is what affects a person’s mood. Each of these theories leads to a range of possible treatments that differ from the classic treatments for depression.
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