Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as its name suggests, is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. The most common form of SAD, often referred to as ‘winter depression,’ typically begins in late autumn or early winter and subsides by spring or early summer. However, an opposite form, called ‘summer depression,’ starts in late spring or early summer and diminishes by fall. This summer-onset SAD, albeit less common, can be equally debilitating for those who experience it. This article aims to shed light on summer SAD, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Understanding Summer SAD

While winter SAD is often linked to reduced sunlight, causing disturbances in the body’s internal biological clock (circadian rhythms), lower levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that affects mood), and imbalances in melatonin (a sleep-related hormone), the causes of summer SAD are not as well understood. Some theories suggest that longer daylight hours disrupt individuals’ circadian rhythms, increased heat and humidity could play a role, or even that allergens common in the spring and summer may contribute.

Symptoms of summer SAD can differ significantly from winter SAD. Instead of the hypersomnia, increased appetite, and weight gain often associated with winter SAD, individuals with summer SAD may experience insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and anxiety or agitation. It’s essential to note that while SAD’s primary distinguishing characteristic is its seasonal pattern, it is, at its core, a form of depression and can be accompanied by any of the associated symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, and in severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

The prevalence of summer SAD varies by geographic location and is generally less common than winter SAD. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of adults in the U.S suffer from SAD, and out of those, only a small percentage experience symptoms in the summertime.

Certain factors can increase a person’s risk for summer SAD. These include:

1. Geographic Location: Living far from the equator, where summer daylight hours are exceptionally long, may increase the risk of summer SAD.
2. Age: Younger individuals, especially those in their twenties, are more likely to experience SAD, with a lower risk as one ages.
3. Sex: Women are diagnosed with SAD at a higher rate than men, although men may experience more severe symptoms.
4. Family History: As with other types of depression, those with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop SAD.
5. Having Clinical Depression or Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms of depression may worsen seasonally if you have one of these conditions.

Treatment and Management

Recognizing summer SAD for what it is—an episode of depression that occurs seasonally—is the first step in seeking appropriate treatment. If you suspect that you may have SAD, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider, who can guide you through a treatment plan that’s best suited to your individual needs.

Medication: Some people may find relief with antidepressant treatment. Your doctor may recommend starting treatment before your symptoms typically begin each year and continuing it beyond the time the symptoms usually stop. Also, it’s crucial to understand that it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant.

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be effective in treating SAD. CBT involves learning to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that can make you feel worse, and it can offer effective techniques for coping with summer SAD.

Lifestyle Changes: Many find relief by making particular lifestyle adjustments. Regular physical activity and exercise, a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and making an effort to engage in relaxing activities can all contribute to managing summer SAD symptoms.

Light Therapy: While light therapy, or exposure to a very bright light box shortly after waking, is standard in treating winter SAD, its effectiveness in summer SAD is not as clear. However, some individuals may find it helpful in resetting their circadian rhythm.

Cooling Therapy: Some studies have suggested that spending time in a cooler environment may help alleviate symptoms for those suffering from summer SAD. This can mean seeking air-conditioned spaces or even taking cool showers.

Mind-Body Techniques: Techniques such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and guided imagery can help you learn to relax and manage stress, thereby helping reduce SAD symptoms.

Summer SAD, while less common than its winter counterpart, is a legitimate and serious condition. The increasing body of research and recognition in psychiatric diagnosis manuals has helped to expand our understanding and approaches to treatment. If you think you may be suffering from summer SAD, the most important thing is to reach out for help. Mental health professionals can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. And remember, you are not alone—support is available, and it is okay to ask for it. Remember, mental health is as vital as physical health, and should not be neglected. Through understanding, empathy, and effective treatment, we can hope for a world where conditions like SAD are better understood, accepted, and addressed.