Signs your patients are SAD—and why it's now a year-round affliction
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I think the most important thing is emphasizing that this does occur—it's a very real thing. People are affected by weather changes...Physicians must understand this and know that some patients are struggling with this. It’s not something we should ignore.
—Anthony (Tony) Roberson, PhD
Seasonal affective disorder, by definition, is seasonal, lasting 4-5 months. But it doesn’t just happen in the winter. SAD can strike at any time of the year. []
Anthony (Tony) Roberson, PhD, director of the PMHNP Program at George Washington University, spoke with MDLinx about the biological drivers behind the condition—and what providers can do to help patients recognize and manage it.
Spotting SAD throughout the year
“SAD is predominantly in the winter months,” Dr. Roberson says. “In the spring and summer, people often feel more energized, social, and active, and we tend to spend more time outdoors. However, some individuals do have SAD in other months.”
Dr. Roberson explains that SAD has to do with signaling changes that occur when the seasons change. Different hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate sleep are impacted.
“This can lead to someone feeling less motivated, tired, and fatigued,” he says. “The summer and spring months can lead to SAD as well. It’s the disruption and changes in our serotonin and melatonin."
Related: Tis the season to stress: Docs’ top tips for navigating seasonal depression and burnoutWhat’s a SAD patient to do?
Fortunately, Dr. Roberson says, people with SAD can take lots of different steps to improve their mental health.
“I think there are quite a few things individuals can do. Sometimes, with SAD, people crave certain food groups, like carbohydrates,” he says. “Just being more self-aware about food cravings and making healthy diet choices can help.”
Dr. Roberson encourages providers to take a holistic approach when treating patients with SAD. “Make sure they have activities, even if they’re indoors. Exercise inside is great.”
A consistent sleep-wake cycle is essential. Dr. Roberson notes that medication can be used to get patients on track.
“I prescribe medications during the period when patients are experiencing SAD,” he says. “They can be on it for a short time, in some cases.”
SAD is significant
According to Dr. Roberson, there was a time when SAD wasn’t even recognized in the DSM.
“I think the most important thing is emphasizing that this does occur—it's a very real thing," he says. “People are affected by weather changes. Even in Florida, with storms, patients can become anxious and on edge. Physicians must understand this and know that some patients are struggling with this. It’s not something we should ignore."
Related: Take these 4 supplements to get through cold weather clinic days