+1 vote
in General Factchecking by Apprentice (1.0k points)
Seasonal depression, also known as "seasonal affective disorder" is "a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons - SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year", according to the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms normally start towards the end of fall and end towards the end of winter or beginning of spring.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

16 Answers

+2 votes
by Journeyman (2.7k points)
selected by
 
Best answer

In response to seasonal depression is real, which is a true statement. In an article titled, 'Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder),' Cleveland Clinic reports, " Season depression, also called seasonal effective disorder, is a type of depression. It's triggered by the change of seasons and most commonly begins in late fall. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression.

Furthermore, in an article titled, 'Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder),' WebMD states," While we don't know the exact cause of SAD, some scientists think that certain hormones made deep in the brain trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of year. 

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder

The article presented is not misinformation.

True
by Genius (41.0k points)
Nice work finding two source links and including relevant quotes from each!
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.3k points)

Seasonal affective disorder is indeed real, and is the reason some may experience mood  changes in relation to poor weather. SAD can take effect in all seasons, but is most closely associated with winter weather, and the sun setting at an earlier time. However, SAD has some treatments such as light therapy. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

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by Genius (41.0k points)
Thanks for a brief yet clear explanation and a reputable source link. I like that you provided information on what type of treatment could alleviate SAD. Nice work!
+1 vote
by Novice (950 points)

Seasonal depression is real and the accurate name for is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is described as " it happens most commonly during the winter season, when there is less  natural sunlight, but some also happen during other season of the year" it is a mental illness that can be diagnosed just like any other mental illness. SAD can be cured either by doing psychotherapy, phototherapy, or medication. 

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2018/03/is-seasonal-depression-a-real-thing/

by Genius (41.0k points)
Nice explanation and thanks for including the source link and a relevant quote. Don't forget to rate the claim by choosing true, false, misleading, opinion, etc.
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.1k points)

Seasonal Depression is Real because according to research and medical professionals, Seasonal Depression is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and is a type of depression that occurs during the same time every year, and is more commonly seen during colder seasons.

According to American Psychological Association (APA), Seasonal Affective Disorder can be defined as "a mood disorder in which there is a predictable occurrence of major depressive episodes, manic episodes, or both at particular times of the year. The typical pattern is the occurrence of major depressive episodes during the fall or winter months. Also called seasonal mood disorder"

True
+1 vote
by Novice (860 points)
Seasonal depression is very real. It is also known as Seasonal affective disorder, SAD, or even 'winter depression' because the symptoms are more common during the winter. The exact cause of SAD is not fully known yet, but it is speculated to be caused by receiving less exposure to light.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/#:~:text=Seasonal%20affective%20disorder%20(SAD)%20is,feel%20better%20during%20the%20winter.
True
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.7k points)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the late fall or early winter before ending in the sunnier days of spring.

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes seasonal depression. Lack of sunlight may trigger the condition if you’re prone to getting it. Theories suggest:  biological clock change, brain chemical imbalance, vitamin D deficiency, melatonin boost, and negative thoughts. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression

True
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.4k points)

The claim that seasonal depression is real is in fact true. It is known as a seasonal affective disorder that varies one's mood based on the changes of weather and amount of sunlight. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, SAD occurs at the end of fall and towards the start of winter, with symptoms starting to improve at the start of spring. It causes lower energy levels, sleep changes, and increased irritability while tending to affect individuals further from the equator more often. Light boxes, dawn stimulators, and light therapy have proven to be effective ways in combating SAD. 

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-explained

True
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.4k points)

"According to the National Institutes of Health, SAD is a seasonal depression that affects close to 10 million Americans. It happens most commonly during the winter season, when there is less natural sunlight, but some cases also happen during other seasons of the year."

Reduced sunlight can cause a decline in serotonin and throw off circadian rhythms. This can cause the brain to produce too much melatonin (which aids sleep and drowsiness) instead of serotonin production. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which makes you feel good. Vitamin D deficiencies are also more common in the winter time, which can increase risk of depression. 

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2018/03/is-seasonal-depression-a-real-thing/

True
+1 vote
by Novice (820 points)
According to the Mayo Clinic, Seasonal Affective Disorder is indeed real. When seasons change with drastic weather differences, people can be seen to see affects. Examples of symptoms include: low energy, lack of motivation, and oversleeping. These affects are then typically gone by the time spring and summer come around.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
True
+1 vote
by Apprentice (1.1k points)

Seasonal depression is indeed real! I found an article from University Hospitals confirming this statement. Francoise Adan, MD, stated, "SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a real medical condition and a subtype of depression which has specific criteria for diagnosis and effective treatment." The article discusses the reasoning for seasonal depression along with common symptoms and who's at risk in depth. Shorter days and a lack of sun exposure seem to be the cause of this disorder, but there are various treatment options out there. Not misinformation!

https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/09/seasonal-affective-disorder-is-real-and-very-treatable

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