London: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often dismissed as mere ‘winter blues’ or ‘depression-lite,’ is one of the most misunderstood mood disorders, experts have warned. Despite its deceptively simple name, SAD is classified as a major depressive disorder that occurs cyclically, typically during winter months, and subsides during other seasons.
Dr. Laurence Wainwright, a psychiatry academic at Oxford University, explained that SAD is a ‘recurrent depressive phase’ linked to seasonal changes. Dr. Wainwright noted that while the condition’s acronym makes it easy to overlook, it can be ‘harrowing’ for those affected. Between 0.5 percent and 2.4 percent of the UK population, equating to about 268,000 to 1.6 million people, are estimated to suffer from it.
Symptoms of SAD
The most common cause is believed to be the lack of sunlight in winter, leading to a ‘misfiring of the circadian rhythm,’ the body’s internal clock. Reduced exposure to natural light can increase melatonin production, making people feel unusually tired and lethargic. Low serotonin and vitamin D levels are also suspected factors, although their exact roles remain under research.
Typical symptoms include extreme fatigue, social withdrawal, increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, anxiety, irritability, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating.
The tiredness associated with SAD, Dr. Wainwright noted, is far more severe than ordinary sleepiness; patients often struggle to get out of bed unless necessary. Social withdrawal can further worsen symptoms, creating a ‘vicious cycle’ of isolation and inactivity.
How to tackle SAD
Effective treatments for SAD include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to break negative behavioural patterns and light therapy, exposure to bright light (up to 10,000 lux) for 30 to 60 minutes each morning using a ‘SAD lamp’ to mimic sunlight.
Dawn-simulating alarm clocks may also help. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), have proven effective, while bupropion, commonly used preventatively in the US, is not yet available in the UK. Dr. Wainwright emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent sleep schedules, though he acknowledged the challenge for patients who are ‘exhausted all the time.’
The Psychiatry Academic urged people not to ‘suffer in silence,’ noting that SAD is a serious medical condition, not something that can be overcome simply by ‘thinking positive,’ exercising more, or taking a quick trip to a sunnier destination.
Youngsters catch SAD
Consultant psychologist Dr. Elena Touroni echoed these concerns, saying SAD goes “far beyond just feeling sluggish or unmotivated during the winter months.” For many, it can be ‘debilitating,’ interfering with work, family responsibilities, and overall functioning.
Younger adults aged 16 to 30 and women are more likely to be diagnosed with SAD, though men may experience similar symptoms without seeking help. Populations living further from the equator, such as in Scandinavia, northern America, and Canada, are more susceptible due to shorter daylight hours.
A smaller group experiences summer SAD, marked by insomnia and reduced appetite rather than oversleeping and weight gain. The causes of this variant are still being studied, but experts suggest it could relate to a delayed effect from winter’s disrupted circadian rhythm.
Dr. Wainwright concluded that SAD remains a ‘very misunderstood condition,’ and called for greater awareness of its seriousness. For many, he said, “this is a harrowing time, six months of the year living in a depressive phase marked by exhaustion and withdrawal.”
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