Winter Blues a Myth? Study Suggests no Objective Data Proof Found for Seasonal Depression

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Don't be sad! New research has found that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) does not affect or cause depression.

Seasonal affective disorder is defined by Mayo Clinic as a kind of depression that is linked to the changes in seasons. It often begins during the fall and continues throughout winter months, and exhibits symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, having low energy, losing interest in activities a person enjoys, sleeping problems, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of sluggishness or agitation, and difficulty concentrating, among others.

A new study coming from researchers at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama, have found, however, that SAD, a condition which has been recognized by health authorities for about 30 years, is not supported by any objective data, CBS News reports.

Researchers analyzed data from over 34,000 American adults, which asked about depression and included information about the time of the year, latitude, and others when measuring depression. They used the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, wherein over 34,000 respondents were asked how many days they felt depressed in the last 14 days. Respondents were also asked about their location, day, month, latitude, and how much sun exposure they got when they were interviewed.

The researchers, led by professor of psychology Steven LoBello found that there is no relationship between seasonal changes and a person's depression.

Dr. Matthew Lorber, acting director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, who was not involved in the study, offered that SAD may not be a "legitimate diagnosis" and just a diagnosis created by big drug companies to open up a new market for their products.

"It then allowed them to market to a new population to use their medications. That was a motivating factor in creating this disorder," Dr. Lorber explained.

"Depression was unrelated to latitude, season, or sunlight. Results do not support the validity of a seasonal modifier in major depression," the researchers wrote, as per the NHS. "The idea of seasonal depression may be strongly rooted in folk psychology, but it is not supported by objective data. Consideration should be given to discontinuing seasonal variation as a diagnostic modifier of major depression."

Like LoBello and his team, associate professor of psychology Kelly Rohan of the University of Vermont also conducted a study on seasonal depression, University Herald reports. Her research revealed that there are no seasonal differences in reports of depressive symptoms.

Rohan argued that SAD does exist, but only among a small amount of depression cases. She added that SAD depressive symptoms may be less severe during spring and summer, which is why in a study, it is important to look at when people experience the depressive symptoms.

LoBello and his team also analyzed 1,700 participants who had depression and found seasonal differences in their mood. Their study was published in the peer-reviewed journal, "Clinical Psychological Science."