Skip to main content

Health shots

When it gets colder and the days become shorter, we see less sunlight and prefer to stay indoors. The change of seasons and temperatures can also affect our mood and energy. Sleeping issues and persistent feeling of unhappiness are some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as well as depression. Even though SAD is a recurrent major depressive disorder, which has a seasonal pattern, it is not the same as clinical depression. Read on to know the difference between seasonal affective disorder and depression.

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight, says psychiatrist Dr Rahul Rai Kakkar.

The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to a lack of sunlight exposure. Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) and affect the production of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, contributing to symptoms of SAD. According to a 2015 study published in the Depression Research and Treatment journal, women and those who live far from the equator are some of the people who are most at risk of experiencing SAD.

Sad woman
Know the difference between seasonal affective disorder and clinical depression. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Common symptoms of SAD include –

  • Low energy
  • Oversleeping
  • Weight gain
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A craving for carbohydrates

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, the expert tells Health Shots. It can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. The causes of depression are complex and can involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Here are.some of them –

  • Imbalances in neurotransmitters
  • A family history of depression
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Significant life stressors

Depression symptoms include –

  • Persistent sadness
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sleep and appetite
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

What are the differences between seasonal affective disorder and depression?

There are some differences between depression and seasonal affective disorder.

1. Seasonal pattern

SAD is characterised by a seasonal pattern, usually occurring in fall and winter, whereas depression can occur at any time of the year, points out Dr Kakkar.

2. Light exposure

SAD is associated with reduced sunlight exposure. Depression is not necessarily linked to specific light conditions.

3. Sleep and appetite changes

SAD often involves oversleeping and increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates. Depression may manifest as either oversleeping or insomnia and changes in appetite.

Sad woman
Depression symptoms can persist throughout the year. Image courtesy: Freepik

4. Onset and duration

SAD symptoms have a predictable onset and remission, aligning with seasons, whereas depression symptoms can develop more gradually and persist throughout the year.

5. Environmental triggers

While both conditions can be influenced by environmental factors, SAD is more closely tied to changes in seasons and light availability.

6. Prevalence

SAD is more prevalent in regions with distinct seasonal changes, says the expert. Depression, on the other hand, is a global phenomenon.

What are the treatment options?

There are effective treatment options for seasonal affective disorder and depression.

1. Seasonal affective disorder

Light therapy, where individuals are exposed to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight, is a common treatment. Psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants can also be effective, says the expert.

2. Depression

Treatment options include psychotherapy (counseling or talk therapy), medications (antidepressants), and lifestyle changes. If the case is severe, therapy and medication are both recommended by doctors.

While both depression and seasonal affective disorder share some common symptoms, the timing, environmental triggers, and specific manifestations distinguish them.

The post Seasonal affective disorder or depression: 6 ways to tell the difference appeared first on Healthshots.



from | HealthShots https://ift.tt/67nMDNb
via IFTTT
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Health shots

Cortisol face, a condition that can make your face look more rounded, and puffy, has been trending on TikTok. Many users of the platform are claiming that it is a prominent side effect of having high levels of cortisol or stress hormone in the body. To prove their point, TikTok users are showing their “cortisol face” along with an “after” photo of a less bloated face. When it comes to our body, cortisol has many functions. Mediating the stress response is one of its key functions. But is daily stress to be blamed for facial bloating or is it just a misconception? What is cortisol face? The literal meaning of the term “moon face” or “cortisol face” is the appearance of puffiness or rounding of facial features, shares dermatologist Dr Neha Khuraana . There is no medical diagnosis referred to as “cortisol face”. Rather it is just a symptom that involves physical changes in the facial features due to certain underlying health problems such as Cushing’s syndrome. It can cause weight gain ...
Read more

Health shots

Have you ever felt sick to your stomach which makes you throw up? If yes, you might have been feeling nauseous. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation that is often accompanied by vomiting. Nausea is not an illness, but a symptom. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions and is usually not risky. It can also be managed at home with simple home remedies. While seeking professional help is the best option, you can also try some home remedies for nausea that can help avoid puking. Plus, they are affordable and provide numerous benefits. What is nausea? Nausea is a vomiting sensation that causes discomfort and unease, accompanied by vomiting and even stomach cramps, as found in Medicine Plus Journal. Some people experience it when travelling long distances on the road and some even experience it due to allergic reactions to certain food groups. Also, when you are pregnant the nausea feeling can happen during your first trimester. Causes of nausea “When the downward moving wind prin...
Read more

Health shots

Sitting for long can hurt your back and affect your posture. That is why you should get up and walk around for a few minutes after every few hours. Stretching or doing standing yoga poses can also help to improve posture. If you choose to do standing yoga poses, you can enjoy more health benefits. Such yoga asanas can improve balance, and concentration while also strengthening the legs, core, and back muscles. Here’s a list of standing yoga poses for beginners as well as fitness enthusiasts. What is a standing yoga pose? Standing yoga poses form the foundation of many yoga practices, anchoring us firmly to the earth while inviting us to reach for the sky. They are a diverse range of postures that challenge our balance, flexibility, and focus, says yoga expert Dr Hansaji Yogendra . The Eagle pose promotes flexibility. Image courtesy: Freepik How to do standing yoga poses? Here are some of the standing yoga poses you can do at home or workplace – 1. Sthitaprarthasana or Standing ...
Read more