New study suggests seasonal affective disorder may not be real

Some doctors say up to 30 percent of people who live in Seattle suffer from seasonal depression.But a new study suggests seasonal affective disorder may not even be real!

The study out of Auburn University in Alabama says “seasonal depression may be strongly rooted in folk psychology, but it is not supported by objective data.”

Dr. Pat Arean is a professor in the psychiatry department at the UW says for people who get depressed in the winter, it’s VERY real.

“We need to be careful with people who have this experience, definitely report significant amounts of depressed moods that require treatment. There is nothing to say that going outside and being exposed to the sun doesn’t have some kind of positive influence on your mood.”

The study result found NO direct link between latitude and seasons and rates of depression.

Dr. Arean says most depression is non-seasonal and people who suffer worse without sunshine, telling them it’s “all in their head” isn’t a good idea.

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