Understand the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and discover ways to manage it. Visit urgent care near you today.
As winter settles over Chattanooga, TN, the city comes alive with seasonal beauty, from the twinkling holiday lights at the Tennessee Riverpark to ice skating at Ice on the Landing. While many enjoy these festive traditions, some residents find that the colder months bring more than just chilly weather—they bring feelings of sadness, fatigue, or a loss of interest in the activities they love. If winter seems to affect your mood, you may wonder if Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) could be the cause. Understanding how SAD is diagnosed is the first step toward managing your symptoms and restoring your energy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically starting in late fall or early winter and resolving in the sunnier months of spring and summer. Diagnosing SAD isn’t always straightforward because its symptoms often overlap with other mental health conditions. However, our team of providers here at AFC follow a thorough process to pinpoint whether SAD is responsible for your mood changes. Let’s explore how this diagnosis works and what you can expect.
What Steps Are Involved in Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Diagnosing SAD requires a comprehensive evaluation to rule out other conditions and confirm the seasonal pattern of symptoms. Here are the key steps our team will likely take:
Physical Exam
Your provider may start with a physical exam to assess your overall health and rule out underlying medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, fatigue or changes in appetite might stem from issues like anemia or a thyroid disorder. A detailed discussion about your health history and current concerns helps guide this part of the process.
Lab Tests
To ensure your symptoms aren’t related to a physical condition, your provider may order lab tests, such as:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test checks for issues like anemia or other health concerns.
- Thyroid Function Tests: Since hypothyroidism can mimic depression symptoms, testing your thyroid levels helps rule out this possibility.
While lab tests can’t directly diagnose SAD, they play an essential role in eliminating other potential causes of your symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A psychological evaluation is a critical part of diagnosing SAD. Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. This evaluation might include:
- A discussion about when your symptoms began and how they’ve changed over time.
- Questions about your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and appetite.
- An exploration of any major life stressors or changes that could be contributing to your feelings.
You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire to provide further insight into your mental health and how your symptoms align with SAD.
Why Is It Important to Diagnose SAD Correctly?
Accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment and support. Seasonal Affective Disorder shares symptoms with other types of depression and mental health conditions, so it’s crucial to identify the seasonal pattern that defines SAD. Without a proper diagnosis, you might not receive the most effective treatment options, such as light therapy, which is specifically beneficial for those with SAD.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
If you’ve noticed a pattern of depressive symptoms that coincide with seasonal changes, it’s worth visiting our clinic to speak with our team of providers. Some key signs that it’s time to seek help include:
- Persistent sadness or low energy during specific times of the year.
- Changes in sleep or eating habits, such as oversleeping or cravings for carbohydrates.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling a loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy.
Living with SAD
While Chattanooga’s winters might not bring the extreme cold of northern climates, the shorter days and reduced sunlight can still trigger SAD in some individuals. Residents who love exploring outdoor spots like the Riverwalk or enjoying the scenic views from Lookout Mountain may find their enthusiasm for these activities diminishing. If this feels familiar, know that help is available.
By understanding how SAD is diagnosed, you can take the first step toward feeling better and enjoying all that Chattanooga and the surrounding area have to offer year-round. Whether through lifestyle changes, therapy, or other treatments, there are effective ways to manage SAD and brighten even the darkest days.
If you’re concerned about seasonal changes affecting your mood, don’t hesitate to visit our clinic in Chattanooga, TN. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
