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Susceptibility Of Mental Disorders: Examining The Comorbidity Of Seasonal Affective Disorder, Nathaniel Wasden

Student Works

This literature review examines the symptoms, theorized causes, and comorbidity of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Although causes of SAD remain unknown, researchers have observed a common pattern of vitamin D deficiency among patients with SAD. The importance of vitamin D in regulating serotonergic activity has been well documented, including the positive correlation between decreased serotonin levels and increased depressive symptoms. For more than 30 years, researchers have hypothesized that decreased serotonin activity is linked to symptoms of SAD. Furthermore, patients with other mental disorders, including depression, bipolarity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. are likely to experience aggravation of symptoms during peak SAD …