If you’ve ever had the “winter blues” or felt particularly unmotivated on a grey, rainy day, you already know that weather can affect your mood. But for some people, seasonal weather changes can trigger the onset of persistent, highly distressing symptoms. This phenomenon is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that only occurs during certain parts of the year. In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) it is listed as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) most commonly occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter and colder, but some people experience versions of SAD during the summer, spring, or autumn.
Who Is At Risk For SAD?
Anyone can develop seasonal affective disorder, though most people don’t begin to exhibit symptoms until they are at least 20 years old.
Mental Health America (MHA) has reported that about 5% of the adult population in the U.S. will experience SAD symptoms in a typical year, with women accounting for about 80% of all cases.
What Are the Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are similar to those of other depressive disorders. During the time of year when their SAD symptoms are triggered, people who have this condition may experience:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Diminished motivation, which can manifest as lack of interest in most activities
- Significant change in appetite and resultant weight gain or loss
- Abnormal sleeping patterns, which can include either insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
- Agitation and restlessness
- Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
- Sense of misplaced shame, inappropriate guilt, or other feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty focusing, concentrating, and making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death and dying, which may include suicidal ideation
The diagnostic differentiators between seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder are discussed in the “How Is SAD Diagnosed?” section later in today’s post.
Causes & Risk Factors
Mental health disorders are rarely the result of one sole cause, and SAD is no exception to this general rule. However, while there’s no single, universally appropriate answer to the question of what causes SAD, researchers have identified a variety of factors that may play a role.
What Causes SAD?
Some experts believe that abnormal levels of certain hormones or neurotransmitters may be a significant causative factor for SAD. Others point to weather-related changes in brain chemistry.
For example, the human body naturally produces a hormone called melatonin to regulate the sleep/wake cycle and maintain a person’s circadian rhythms (internal body clock).
Lack of sunlight triggers melatonin production. In other words, when it gets dark, your body recognizes that it’s time for sleep, and releases hormones to help you doze off. For people who have winter-onset SAD, the increased hours of darkness may prompt elevated melatonin production, which can lead to decreased energy, fatigue, and related symptoms.
Risk Factors For Developing SAD
In addition to neurotransmitter imbalances or weather-related hormonal changes affecting a person, several factors may also influence the risk of developing seasonal affective disorder:
- Age (onset of SAD symptoms typically occurs between ages 20-30)
- Gender (Women are diagnosed with SAD more often than men.)
- Geography (SAD is more common in areas that are farther from the equator)
- Family history of depression, especially among parents or siblings
- History of abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
How Is SAD Diagnosed?
To receive an accurate diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder, a person must experience at least five of the previously listed symptoms. One of these symptoms must be either feelings of sadness/emptiness/ hopelessness or a lack of interest in most activities.
In addition to having these symptoms, a person must also meet the following criteria for a SAD diagnosis:
- Symptoms must be present most of the day, most days, for a period of at least two consecutive weeks.
- Symptoms must occur only during a specific time of year.
- They must experience full remission (lack of depressive symptoms) during other times of the year.
How Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Treated?
Doctors often treat seasonal affective disorder with a combination of medication and therapy. The types of medications and therapies, along with other services, depend on factors such as the intensity of a person’s symptoms and the severity of their impact.
Given these caveats, common elements of care for someone with seasonal affective disorder include:
- Antidepressants such as paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor), escitalopram (Lexapro), and bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and education
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapies
- Neurofeedback
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder also often includes guidance on developing essential self-care skills for managing symptoms, such as:
- Practicing mindfulness
- Meditating
- Journaling
- Following a more nutritious diet plan
- Getting regular exercise
- Developing a personal support network
- Using positive affirmations
Remember: There is no single therapy, medication, or course of treatment that works for everyone who has seasonal affective disorder. Personalization is an essential component of an effective SAD treatment plan.
This underscores the importance of selecting a treatment provider that will assess the full scope of your needs, identify any co-occurring conditions, and develop a customized plan that aligns with your history, goals, and preferences.
Contact Renewal Health Group To Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Renewal Health Group offers a full continuum of care for adults who have seasonal affective disorder and other mental health concerns.
Options at our three SAD treatment centers in Southern California include residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program. We also provide detox and dual diagnosis services for patients whose struggles with SAD are accompanied by addictions to alcohol and other drugs.
To learn more about how Renewal Health Group can help you or a loved one overcome the impact of seasonal affective disorder, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 3/26/2025
