What is Reverse SAD?
Reverse SAD is a form of seasonal affective disorder which occurs during the Spring and Summer months. Those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder generally feel the symptoms of depression following the change of seasons.
Allergies can play a role
How Common is Reverse SAD?
Reverse SAD is most common in countries which are located closer to the equator. While Reverse SAD is less common than regular SAD, whereby people feel more depressed in the winter, it is thought that around 10% of people suffering with SAD have reverse SAD or summer SAD as it is also known. While there is no exact known cause for Reverse SAD, as there is with regular SAD experts suggest that there are several defining features of the warmer months which may be causing it.
Longer Summer Days Could Cause Reverse SAD
It is speculated that the symptoms of Reverse SAD may be a result of the longer days, with a suggestion that the increase in heat and humidity might also play a role, but there is currently no evidence to support this. In winter SAD reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression and the change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. As these have been linked to winter SAD, serotonin and melatonin levels are also suggested to be factors in reverse SAD but this has not been confirmed as a cause.
Feelings of Imbalance in the Summer
A feeling of unbalance in the summer months could also induce the symptoms of Reverse SAD. Along with the longer days and shorter nights, summer also brings a different mood than the other seasons, particularly as other people may be in higher spirits due to the warmer climate and more exposure to the sun. If you have experienced depression, you may be more vulnerable to having a depressive episode. In addition, if you begin to feel a sense of imbalance and are not at the same level of happiness as others around you, you may begin to feel guilty and anxious for not sharing the same optimism.
Allergies May Play Their Role
Some experts suggest that allergies may also play a role in impacting people’s moods. It is theorised that some allergens can cause inflammation in the airways and for vulnerable people this could trigger depression. The increase of pollen (one of the most common allergens) in the spring and summer months could be what triggers reverse SAD.
It Is Not the Same as Winter SAD
It is not only the time of year that separates Reverse SAD from regular SAD, the symptoms that are caused by the time of year can also vary. The symptoms of summer SAD might be quite mild to begin with at the end of spring but become more severe as the summer season progresses. While winter SAD symptoms focus on low energy symptoms, reverse SAD symptoms are more centred on agitation and irritability related symptoms.
What are the Symptoms?
Some of the main identifiable symptoms of Reverse SAD include; trouble sleeping (insomnia), poor appetite, weight loss and agitation or anxiety.
Sleeping in Complete Darkness Can Help
There is currently no cure for Reverse SAD, however there are a few tips that you can do to alleviate the symptoms. Sleeping in a darkened room may help those who are having trouble with insomnia. Blocking out as much sunlight when you are trying to sleep could be key to getting a good night’s sleep and letting your body clock know it’s time to sleep.
Being Active Can Ease the Symptoms
Regularly exercising can help to ease the symptoms of Reverse SAD. Exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Can Help
Another option to relieve the symptoms of Reverse SAD is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a NICE approved treatment for depression that modulates brain activity, leading to a reduction in symptoms and it has been shown to treat SAD safely and effectively.
Isabel Leming, Senior Technician at Smart TMS, the UK’s leading mental health clinic specialising in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.