Effective Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Depression Disorder with Multiple Patterns is a form of depression that most often develops in the late fall or early winter. ”Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms usually occurring during seasonal changes. In DMS-5, seasonality is a specifier to describe certain subpopulations of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, when depressive symptoms repeatedly exhibit seasonality, usually in the form of fall-winter onset.”¹(Wikipedia)
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”Depression is a common mental disorder. It is estimated that 5% of adults worldwide suffer from it. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also result in a lack of sleep and appetite (World Health Organisation)².
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Depression can not translate into different disorders, eating disorders, commonly, call the disorders of eating behaviors (TCA) the best known being bulimia as well as anorexia. We can also talk about mood disorders etc… However, depression is an illness that is not a one-time disease, it is part of the duration through a cycle that plunges the depressed person in a vicious circle in which it gradually loses the various pleasures that can provide joy and a sense of well-being.
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How can we explain a form of depression that seems to affect people only during a period of the year when the seasons change, especially during the winter? Is it because of the lack of sunlight? The fatigue of the metabolism? The harshness of the winter cold or the shortening of the days? SAD, as opposed to depression, affects individuals at the same time of year, during a change of season and frequently in the winter.
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We can define different types of SAD from the most severe to a simple change of mood.
  • severe seasonal depression
  • moderate seasonal depression
  • winter blues
  • a feeling of temporary depression
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These different depressive states will affect people in different ways and the way in which they are treated will also vary depending on the severity of the SAD, ranging from taking antidepressants to activities to get out of the depressive cycle. In general the most common form of SAD is the mild form of this disorder. Why does this depressive disorder appear most often in winter? It is difficult to know with certainty the reasons for the increase of this disorder in winter, but some ideas are put forward. The lack of sunlight and luminosity would be one of the causes, light has an awakening effect, an antidepressant, but also allows the programming of sleep hours, that is to say a chronobiotic effect. Our brain, through the retina, will capture the light and will signal that it is day or night. The shortening of the days as well as our way of working which takes place in a place close the natural light of the programming of the hours of sleep are seen modifying, we have less sun, we tend to be more tired. We wake up, it’s dark, we get out of work, the sun is setting, the feeling of having missed the day is not insignificant.
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This reconditioning of our sleep hours and fatigue are factors that can influence our morale. The lack of sunlight will boost the production of Melatonin which will promote sleep and the feeling of fatigue . Fatigue and lack of sunlight are extremely related, both in the overproduction of melatonin and in the promotion of a deficit of vitamin D, which can affect our mood. But is it just the lack of sunshine that is the only factor in seasonal depression? The apprehension of winter which can be a source of stress for many people. It is possible that some individuals are more prone to SAD and its risk forms. Young people, older people and women are the most affected by SAD. However, the people most at risk are those with a history of mood disorders or depression, bipolarity, or a family member with a mood disorder.
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How to fight and prevent SAD?
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Recognize and be aware of its symptoms, see a specialist or your doctor for treatment. SAD can be prevented by various means that will promote well-being. Light therapy will help fight against the overproduction of melatonin and will allow you to “wake up”. Spending time outdoors, taking advantage of natural light, doing outdoor activities. Taking Vitamin D to compensate for the deficit created by the lack of sunlight. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a good way to fight against SAD. Discussing and understanding the negative emotions that arise in winter can help anticipate and treat this disorder in the long term. In the case of severe SAD, taking an antidepressant can be considered. SAD is a mental disorder that affects individuals during a change of season, particularly during the winter. There are different types of SAD that can be influenced by climatic, personal or family factors. The symptoms are the same as depression, but are not felt in the same way depending on the type of SAD.
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From a feeling of fatigue to severe SAD, it is important to take into consideration the different symptoms. Fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, negative feelings, negative thoughts, changes in eating habits, etc. Contacting a doctor or a specialist, but also setting up new habits during this season are extremely beneficial.
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Charlotte, ESC volunteer
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Works Cited
  • Cleveland Clinic. “Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder).” Cleveland Clinic, 10 April 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression. Accessed 16 December 2022.
  • Wikipedia. “Dépression saisonnière — Wikipédia.” Wikipédia, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9pression_saisonni%C3%A8re. Accessed 16 December 2022.
  • World Health Organisation. “Dépression.” World Health Organization (WHO), https://www.who.int/fr/health-topics/depression#tab=tab_1. Accessed 16 December 2022.
  • ¹Dépression saisonnière (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9pression_saisonni%C3%A8re)
  • ²Dépression (https://www.who.int/health-topics/depression#tab=tab_1)