Seasonal affective disorder
00:00 / 00:00
Videos
Notes
Seasonal affective disorder
Psychological disorders
Bipolar and related disorders
Bipolar disorder
Medication-induced movement disorders and other adverse effects of medication
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Serotonin syndrome
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Body dysmorphic disorder
Body focused repetitive disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
Delusional disorder
Schizoaffective disorder
Schizophrenia
Schizophreniform disorder
Substance-related and addictive disorders
Alcohol use disorder
Cannabis dependence
Cocaine dependence
Opioid dependence
Tobacco dependence
Psychological disorders review
Amnesia, dissociative disorders and delirium: Pathology review
Childhood and early-onset psychological disorders: Pathology review
Dementia: Pathology review
Developmental and learning disorders: Pathology review
Drug misuse, intoxication and withdrawal: Alcohol: Pathology review
Drug misuse, intoxication and withdrawal: Hallucinogens: Pathology review
Drug misuse, intoxication and withdrawal: Other depressants: Pathology review
Drug misuse, intoxication and withdrawal: Stimulants: Pathology review
Eating disorders: Pathology review
Malingering, factitious disorders and somatoform disorders: Pathology review
Mood disorders: Pathology review
Personality disorders: Pathology review
Psychiatric emergencies: Pathology review
Psychological sleep disorders: Pathology review
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Pathology review
Trauma- and stress-related disorders: Pathology review
Assessments
Seasonal affective disorder
Flashcards
0 / 8 complete
High Yield Notes
5 pages
Flashcards
Seasonal affective disorder
of complete
External References
First Aid
2016
Transcript
Content Reviewers
Contributors
Recently, the DSM-5 changed the name of “seasonal affective disorder,” or SAD, to “depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.”
The new name isn’t quite as catchy as “SAD,” but it does describe the condition more precisely.
That’s because depressive disorder with seasonal pattern is not really a distinct disease, but rather depression that worsens at the same time each year, usually in the late fall and winter.
So let’s first review depression. Depression, or major depression, is a serious condition where someone loses their sense of life being enjoyable; this feeling of malaise affects every aspect of their day-to-day life, whether they’re working, studying, eating, or sleeping.
The causes of depression aren’t fully known, but it’s thought to involve a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine, norepinephrine, and especially serotonin.
In depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, there’s a strong relationship with the circadian rhythm, the internal clock that keeps your body in tune with the rising and setting of the sun.
At the base of the brain there’s a region called the hypothalamus, and within it are a group of neurons located in a specific spot called the suprachiasmatic nucleus or SCN.
The neurons in the SCN get information about light from optic nerves, and use that information to run the circadian rhythm.
The SCN relays that information to the pineal gland, a tiny, cone-shaped structure near the hypothalamus.
And when it’s dark out, the pineal gland releases the hormone melatonin, which is chemically related to serotonin.
Melatonin lowers your heart rate and body temperature, helping you go to sleep.
Summary
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to seasonal change, typically starting in the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms include hypersomnia, irritability, and carbohydrate craving. SAD is treated with light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy.
For Institutions
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Cookies are used by this site.
USMLE® is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). COMLEX-USA® is a registered trademark of The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Inc. NCLEX-RN® is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Osmosis or this website.
