Seasonal affective disorder: Communication Can Help

Overview of the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Market

The growing proportion of cases of depression among people is augmenting the seasonal affective disorder, upholding the valuation of the sector to USD 0.92 million in 2024. The progress of the landscape promises to adhere to a moderate CAGR of 4.11% through the forecast period, projecting the valuation to reach USD 1.43 million by 2035.

Choosing to live in a cold, dark climate means you'll be at the mercy of the seasons. That can be both good and bad, depending on your state of mind. Here’s what you need to know about one particular seasonal phenomenon: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there’s less natural light. There has long been a debate among professionals about whether or not SAD is a recognized medical condition.

Until recently, the official view was that it was not, but since the effectiveness of light therapy in treating this disorder has been established, more professionals now include it in their diagnostic framework. One of the main arguments against SAD was that it’s merely another form of depression and that all depressions are psychological in nature.

This is a misconception. Certain physical conditions do have symptoms that appear psychological, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, but not all forms of depression are purely mental. In fact, some people go through their entire lives without ever experiencing a true depressive episode.

The good news is that light therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms by providing the body with much-needed vitamin D. Vitamin D increases the body’s sensitivity to sunlight exposure and helps regulate melatonin production, which tends to decline during darker months, leading to depression and insomnia.

The best time to begin light therapy is when you first notice the onset of SAD symptoms, as this disorder develops gradually, similar to a cold or the flu. Once the symptoms are fully established, typically around October or November, stronger light exposure may be required to reverse the effects.

When starting a light therapy program, it’s important to avoid overexposure. Spending too much time under artificial light can worsen symptoms initially. This often happens when individuals start with long sessions and experience discomfort instead of relief.

SAD differs from regular depression because it recurs predictably each year and follows a distinct symptom pattern. It can also be difficult to distinguish from major depressive disorder without professional diagnosis.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, SAD affects an estimated 3-5% of school-age children and about 3% of adults. Symptoms typically appear in late fall and continue through winter. However, some individuals experience SAD year-round.

Because it’s less widely recognized than other forms of depression, people may mistakenly attribute it to temporary mood changes rather than genetics or environmental factors.

Those with a family history of SAD may experience similar symptoms, such as difficulty coping with daily activities, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. About 80% of people affected by SAD have a family member with the same condition.

Many individuals manage SAD through light exercise and exposure to bright lights, but medication is sometimes required. Commonly prescribed antidepressants include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). These medications help relieve symptoms and minimize relapse risk.

The main challenge lies in finding the right drug and dosage. Because SAD can have long-lasting effects, antidepressants are often continued for up to a year after symptoms stabilize.

Regional Analysis

The prevalence and management of Seasonal Affective Disorder vary significantly across regions due to differences in climate, sunlight exposure, and healthcare awareness.

Northern Europe and North America record the highest incidence rates, particularly in countries like Norway, Canada, and the UK, where prolonged winters and minimal daylight contribute to severe cases.

In contrast, Southern Europe and Asia-Pacific regions report lower prevalence due to abundant sunlight and warmer climates, though urban populations still experience mild SAD linked to indoor lifestyles and pollution.

In the Middle East and parts of Africa, awareness remains low, but increasing mental health initiatives are gradually addressing this gap. In India and Southeast Asia, rapid urbanization and reduced outdoor activity are emerging risk factors.

Global mental health programs and teletherapy platforms are now helping bridge accessibility gaps, ensuring that effective diagnosis and treatment for SAD become available beyond traditionally affected regions.