Serotonin acts a messenger, a mood 'governor' in the brain and how well it functions has a major impact on mood. Low serotonin function is thought to result in a type of depression characterized by symptoms such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and suicidal thoughts.
The hypothesis regarding serotonergic dysfunction is based on the findings that serotonin levels vary significantly in normal humans across seasons with lowest levels in the winter months. The same research that found high daytime levels of melatonin in SAD patients (See our SAD circadian rhythm theory) also found the serotonin levels of everybody tested, including the control group of the healthy volunteers, were lower in winter than in summer.
Serotonin production is also intimately connected with the "sleep" hormone melatonin, the levels of which are abnormal in SAD sufferers. Serotonin is actually converted into melatonin. This happens as light levels fall in the evening and the pineal gland signals for melatonin production to increase.
In simple terms, the actions of serotonin and melatonin are opposing with serotonin stimulating us during the daytime and melatonin inducing sleep at night.
In SAD, we know that melatonin levels are higher than normal during the day, so sufferers experience sleepiness and other melatonin induced effects, and are also prone to serotonin deficiency symptoms such as negative emotional states.
As a result of the close relationship between serotonin and melatonin, the circadian rhythm and serotonergic dysfunction theories should probably be seen as complementary to each other rather than as totally distinct explanations for SAD.
Think you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ?
Common symptoms for SAD:
Common treatments for SAD mirror that of other types of depression; including talk therapy and anti-depressant medications. Light therapy, at specific times, using a full-spectrum light source to mimic the sun may also help.
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National Alliance on Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder
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One major theory for explaining SAD involves the circadian rhythms of the body. In effect, reduced daylight causes a 'phase shift' of the body's circadian rhythms which affects when and how much melatonin is produced. During sleep, melatonin acts affects the amount of hormones secreted by the body's 'master gland' -- the pituitary gland. The result is a cascade of symptoms common to SAD.
Research now suggests that SAD has a genetic component. Simply put, low-sunlight is not an equal opportunity depressant. Some genetic groups are more affected by SAD than others. Specifically, the 5-HTTLPR gene has been found to be expressed differently in SAD patients.
We all know at least one person with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD -- aka the 'winter blues.' Check out 3 of the top theories behind the physiology of the SAD.
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Listen to the newest single from his upcoming album "Who I Am" below:
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