Articles

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of recurrent depressive illness in which symptoms appear in a consistent seasonal pattern, most frequently during the autumn and winter months. Since its formal identification by Rosenthal in 1984, SAD has been recognized as a condition marked by excessive sleep, low energy, reduced social engagement, increased appetite, and cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, which interfere with daily functioning, academic performance, occupational productivity, and overall quality of life. It affects an estimated 4–15% of the general population, with a higher prevalence among females. SAD is influenced by multiple interacting factors, including disruptions in circadian rhythm regulation, altered melatonin and serotonin activity, reduced exposure to daylight, and other neurobiological processes. Research indicates that individuals with SAD may experience cognitive difficulties, particularly in attention, working memory, and emotional processing, which are comparable to those observed in nonseasonal major depressive disorder. Treatment options, including light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacological approaches, have demonstrated variable effectiveness. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the role of screening instruments, particularly the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), while acknowledging its limitations. Enhanced assessment tools are needed to support accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.