What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder, What Causes SAD, Melatonin Hypothesis, Phase Shift Hypothesis, Serotonin Hypothesis

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Bright Light Treatment

Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD)
& Winter Blues

Sleep & Circadian
Rhythm Disorders

Other Applications
for Bright Light
Treatment

Bibliography &
Resources

Links to other
websites

SunENews

Researchers aren't sure what causes seasonal affective disorder. Three main theories have been put forth, and there is contrasting evidence both for and against each of these theories: the Melatonin Hypothesis, the Phase Shift Hypothesis, and the Serotonin Hypothesis.

Melatonin Hypothesis

The Melatonin Hypothesis argues that SAD is due to too much melatonin being secreted in response to the long, dark days of winter. Some studies have supported this theory, while others have disputed it.

Phase Shift Hypothesis

Advocates of the Phase Shift Hypothesis, proposed in 1986, contend that in patients with SAD, circadian rhythms [see Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Disorders section] have been desynchronized to the light-dark cycle, and that appropriately timed bright light reverses SAD symptoms by realigning these rhythms. Again, there is evidence on either side of the debate.

Serotonin Hypothesis

In the Serotonin Hypothesis, the idea is that serotonin levels in the brain are much lower during the winter months in patients with SAD than they are either in people without SAD or in SAD patients during the spring and summer months. This hypothesis came about from researchers observing that SAD patients tend to feel energized after carbohydrate consumption (which increases serotonin levels), whereas people without SAD generally feel more lethargic after eating carbohydrates. Whether serotonin is 'the cause' of SAD or not, there is currently a wide body of evidence to suggest that it does play a major role in the disorder.

Other neurotransmitters (dopamine and noradrenaline, for example) may also be involved, as well as other hormones (thyroid, corticotrophin-releasing hormone). The role of these other neurotransmitters and hormones, though, requires further research.