The Complicated Relationship Between SAD and Eating Disorders

As the seasons change, many people experience a certain type of depression, often known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. For individuals, the onset of symptoms begins and ends around the same time each year. Most people experiencing this situation find that the shorter, darker months of fall and winter are the toughest. To make matters worse, some people find that they are battling depression and eating disorders. Both of these conditions affect people across race, age, sex, and economic condition. While there are factors affecting depression, the combination of depression and eating disorders can be a significant problem during the colder months.

Causes and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, when combined with eating disorders, is a complicated condition and is most likely to occur in women older than 20. There are significant numbers of people coping with eating disorders and alcoholism who also suffer from SAD; these individuals tend to see an increase of symptoms during the winter.

There are many theories about why winter increases the symptoms of depression. Some of those ideas include decreased exposure to sunlight, increased isolation from friends, and lower levels of serotonin and vitamin D in the body. Symptoms of SAD include too much sleep, daytime fatigue, decreased interest in social activities, and weight gain. When combined with the effects of eating disorders (withdrawal from social activities, increased fatigue, and anxiety,) SAD symptoms are difficult to overcome.

Symptoms Related to Both Conditions

Eating disorders and SAD often occur because of a mix of genetics and environment, and the results of the causes leading up to each condition often mirror the other. For example, both SAD and eating disorders present with the following symptoms:

• Decreased energy levels
• Lack of interest in social activities
• Feelings of irritability, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Increased craving for sweets and carbs
• Unusual changes in weight

People struggling with bulimia have increased urges and more difficulty resisting during the winter months.

Difficulties Separating SAD and Eating Disorders

Many treatment providers for eating disorders find that most of the clients who present themselves for treatment are already taking medications for depression and/or anxiety. Although the presence of two conditions can complicate the treatment, there are some symptoms that may be treated similarly. The unconscious messages that these individuals experience are the same for depression and for eating disorders: I am alone. I’m not good enough. I am not in control. Some treatment methods for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders address these messages in the same way.

The Treatment of SAD and Eating Disorders

Various forms of treatment can be used to successfully address Seasonal Affective Disorder and Eating Disorders, but the best results come when therapists recognize the unique and complicated relationship between the conditions.  One example of a treatment method used to treat both is light therapy that focuses on resetting the circadian rhythm and regulating melatonin. Other treatments may include the use of antidepressants and therapy.

Another popular treatment method that has had success in meeting the needs of individuals with both conditions is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment method involves meeting with a therapist to replace negative thought patterns with those thoughts that lead to positive improvements. Recognizing thought patterns, such as those mentioned above and negative body image ideation, helps individuals recognize and replace negative messages.

Improve Treatment by Recognizing the Connection

As with many mental health conditions, eating disorders and Seasonal Affective Disorder are likely to occur at the same time. Treatment can be more successful when individuals, family members, and doctors recognize the complications and similarities between conditions. For the best results, choose a therapist who has experience counseling those with dual diagnoses.