When people think of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), they often imagine gloomy winter days and a drop in mood during the colder months. But not all SAD follows that pattern. For some individuals, depression strikes in the spring or summer — a condition known as Atypical Seasonal Affective Disorder, or summer-pattern SAD.
This form of seasonal depression can be confusing and isolating. When everyone else seems to be enjoying sunshine and vacations, those with atypical SAD may find themselves struggling with symptoms that feel out of place. Understanding this condition is the first step toward finding effective care. We have psychiatric nurse practitioners in Metairie who are ready to help you navigate these symptoms and start feeling better.
What Is Atypical Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Atypical SAD is a type of recurrent depression that typically occurs during the warmer months, most often starting in late spring or early summer and resolving by fall. It presents differently than winter-pattern SAD and can include:
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Agitation, restlessness, or irritability
- Increased anxiety or panic
- Physical discomfort in the heat
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or overwhelm
These symptoms can significantly affect day-to-day functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life
Causes of Atypical SAD
While research into summer-pattern SAD is ongoing, several possible causes have been identified:
- Light exposure and circadian rhythms: Just as reduced daylight can disrupt mood in winter-pattern SAD, extended daylight hours in summer can disturb the body’s natural rhythms and sleep-wake cycles, especially for individuals who are biologically sensitive to light.
- Heat sensitivity: High temperatures and humidity may contribute to physical discomfort, poor sleep, and increased irritability or fatigue, especially in areas with extreme summer weather.
- Disrupted routines: Summer often brings changes to schedules — vacations, altered work hours, or school breaks — which can disrupt structure and make it harder to maintain healthy routines.
- Social and cultural pressures: The expectation to be active, social, and happy during the summer months can feel overwhelming, particularly for individuals already struggling with mental health challenges.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals may be more likely to develop atypical SAD. Common risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of depression or mood disorders
- Having bipolar disorder, particularly bipolar II, where depressive episodes are common
- Sensitivity to seasonal changes or difficulty adjusting to disruptions in routine
- Living in hot, humid climates, which can worsen physical symptoms like fatigue or agitation
- Experiencing high levels of stress around the time seasonal changes begin
Awareness of these risk factors can help people recognize symptoms early and seek support from a psychiatrist in New Orleans before the condition worsens.
Potential Complications
If left untreated, atypical SAD can lead to more serious mental health concerns. These may include:
- Chronic or worsening depression
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Strained relationships and decreased functioning at work or school
- Increased anxiety or panic attacks
- Substance use or unhealthy coping strategies
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in severe cases
It’s important to take symptoms seriously and to know that effective treatment is available.
Seeking Care
If you notice persistent mood changes, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, or increased anxiety during the spring or summer months, it could be a sign of atypical SAD. While it may feel out of step with the season, this form of depression is real and valid.
Crescent City Psychiatric specializes in identifying and treating mood disorders with a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Treatment options may include:
- Medication to support mood stabilization and reduce anxiety
- Lifestyle guidance tailored to managing seasonal challenges and improving overall wellness
- Recommended Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be especially effective in treating SAD.
You don’t have to wait for the seasons to change to feel better. Contact our office today at (985) 249-1322 to schedule an appointment and start feeling more like yourself — no matter the weather.
