Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically occurring with the onset of autumn. It affects around 1% to 2% of the population, particularly women and young individuals, while a milder form of winter blues can impact approximately 10% to 20% of people.
Although winter is commonly associated with SAD, certain individuals face greater challenges during warmer weather.
There is a less common variant of SAD known as "summer depression," which emerges in late spring or early summer and persists until fall.
Experts explore various specific theories to elucidate the causes of summer depression. A prominent theory posits that excessive exposure to sunlight during the summer months disrupts the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm, leading to reduced levels of melatonin. Consequently, individuals with summer SAD may experience insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
Some studies have indicated a potential link between summer SAD and higher temperatures and humidity.
Individuals grappling with summer SAD may exhibit the following symptoms:
Depression commonly refers to a relatively transitory, negative mood experienced by human. The terms depression or depressed are used in both the ordinary, non-clinical sense and to refer specifically to pathology, especially when the mood of depression has reached a level of severity and/or duration that warrants a clinical diagnosis.
Monday, July 31, 2023
The most popular articles
-
Major depression is a severe mental health condition that not only brings immense suffering to individuals but also poses a significant risk...
-
Depression is undoubtedly the most common mental health problem, especially when its milder form - dysphoria - is also included. In the Unit...
-
Chief Complaint The chief complaint presented by depressed patients often pints immediately to the diagnosis of depression; although it some...
-
Migraine headache is a common and potentially debilitating disorder often treated by family physicians. Before diagnosing migraine, serious ...
-
Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes significantly affect mental health, often triggering depression. Research highlights that ...