Seasonal affective disorder in children and teens
11/25/2024 by Chandler Yost, M.D.
What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
SAD is a type of depression that only happens during a certain time of the year. Kids and teens may become more depressed in the fall and winter due to shorter days and less sunlight. SAD typically resolves once the days become longer with more sunlight.
It's essential to note that SAD is more than just a bad day here or there. It is a pattern of changes that lasts for weeks.
Who does it affect?
Seasonal affective disorder can affect kids and teenagers as well as adults.
Why does it happen?
- The cause of SAD is not entirely clear, but we think it is related to less exposure to sunlight.
- Sunlight affects the brain's two chemicals that influence mood: serotonin and melatonin. When it's sunny, your brain makes more serotonin, and this helps increase feelings of happiness. When it's dark (less sunlight), your brain produces more melatonin, making you feel sleepier with less energy.
- Shorter days with more darkness lead to less serotonin and more melatonin. This change makes depression more likely to happen.
What symptoms may you notice in your child or teen if they are experiencing SAD?
- They may seem more sad or irritable even without a clear cause.
- They may lose interest in things they typically enjoy.
- They may seem more tired and sleep more than usual.
- They may have more trouble concentrating.
- They may have changes in eating habits with or without weight changes.
- They may engage in self-harm behaviors.
- They may have thoughts of or attempt suicide.
How is SAD diagnosed?
This diagnosis will require a visit with your primary care clinician. They will diagnose the problem by asking questions and completing a physical exam. At this visit, your clinician can also ensure that symptoms are not due to something else.
How is SAD treated?
- Get more light exposure by spending more time outside during the daylight hours. This can be done by taking a daily walk or other exercise outside, which can be tricky in Minnesota due to the colder temperatures. Some fun outdoor activities in the winter can include skiing (downhill or cross-country), snowshoeing or ice skating.
- Light therapy with phototherapy. Your clinician may recommend purchasing a special light box for your child or teenager to sit in front of for about 45 minutes daily. Ask your clinician for more specifics on what light box to use and how to use it.
- Talk therapy. Your clinician may recommend a referral for treatment to help kids and teens work through negative thoughts and feelings that can happen with depression.
- Medicine. Your clinician may prescribe an antidepressant medication, which can help balance the chemicals in the brain that contribute to depression, such as serotonin, as discussed above.
What can parents do to help manage SAD?
- Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise and exercise outside when able.
- Try to spend quality time with your child.
- Be patient with your child because symptoms often can take time to improve.
- Help organize homework and involve teachers if your child needs extra time or support with assignments.
- Encourage a good sleep cycle with routine bedtime and morning wake-up times.
What if your child needs more urgent help?
If you are worried about your child, do not hesitate to use these helplines right away:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255).
- 24-hour National Suicide Crisis Hotline: 800- SUICIDE (784-2433).
- Hopeline (with a trained volunteer): 800-442-HOPE (4673).
- Hopeline (teen to teen counseling): 877- 968-8591.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357).
Chandler Yost, M.D., is completing her third year of pediatric residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She has special interests in pediatric mental health and preventive medicine and plans to provide primary care services in underserved areas following her residency.