Merck Manuals Shares Tips for Recognizing and Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Mar 28, 2023, 14:00 ET

Physician explains key points surrounding disorder most often seen in winter months

RAHWAY, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans each year, along with countless others who may not be aware they suffer from it. Like any depressive disorder, identifying the condition and ensuring individuals have the treatment and support they need is vital.

In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, William Coryell, MD, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, shares key details about SAD, how it can be addressed and why it's more serious than simply feeling a little bit down during cold, dark winter months.

SAD is caused by a disruption to our circadian rhythms

SAD is related to mismatches in our circadian rhythms and external cues such as timing around sleep and awakening, Coryell explains. The decrease in light in wintertime can impact the body's production of serotonin and melatonin, impacting sleep and mood.

SAD can impact people at any time of year

Coryell says most people develop SAD during late autumn and winter, when there is less light during the day. However, some people regularly experience depressive episodes in the summer or at other times throughout the year.

Some people are at greater risk of SAD

There are a few factors that can make an individual more likely to develop SAD, says Coryell. It is more common in people who have a family history of SAD and in younger people, typically in their 20s or 30s. Those with bipolar disorder are also at greater risk. Additionally, people who live at higher northern latitudes are also susceptible to SAD, likely due to limited exposure to daylight, says Coryell.

SAD is different from the "holiday blues"

Some people experience a rise in depression around the holidays, says Coryell, often feeling their worst right after the holidays end. This is known as the Holiday Blues and is most often brought on by painful reflection and loneliness as well as the extreme emotions and demands around the holidays that can cause stress and anxiety. Holiday Blues are different from SAD both in terms of timing and causes.

Light is an effective treatment for SAD

Coryell says that for many people, the best treatment for SAD is light therapy, also known as phototherapy. Psychiatrists will sometimes recommend individuals suffering from SAD sit one or two feet in front of a light box for at least 30 minutes a day. This is typically most effective soon after waking in the morning, says Coryell.

You should not ignore symptoms of SAD

Like other kinds of mental health conditions, the need for treatment of SAD will depend on how much it's impacting your life, says Coryell. He reminds readers it's important to talk to your doctor about any changes in your mood or daily life – and to seek help immediately for any suicidal thoughts or actions.

If you or a person you know are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The new three-digit number, 988 will connect you to trained mental health professionals.

Additionally, texting resources are available. The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

You can read more about SAD on Dr. Coryell's editorial on MerckManuals.com

About The Merck Manuals and MSD Manuals

First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, The Merck Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the world's most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. As The Manual evolved, it continually expanded the reach and depth of its offerings to reflect the mission of providing the best medical information to a wide cross-section of users, including medical professionals and students, veterinarians and veterinary students, and consumers. In 2015, The Manuals kicked off Global Medical Knowledge 2020, a global initiative with the goal to make the best current medical information accessible by up to three billion professionals and patients around the world by 2020. The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in more than 241 countries and in 13 languages. It's continuing its ambitious mission through outreach, education and creating new reliable medical resources. For access to thousands of medical topics with images, videos and a constantly expanding set of resources, visit MerckManuals.com or MSDManuals.com and connect with us on social media: For Consumers in the U.S. and its territories: Twitter and Facebook. For Professionals in the U.S. and its territories: Twitter and Facebook

About Merck

At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE The Merck Manuals