Summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder: A case study and implications for primary care.
Jessica Spissinger, Reamer L Bushardt
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 35-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of summer-onset depression, characterized by irritability, insomnia, appetite loss, and psychomotor agitation. She met the DSM-5-TR criteria for major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. Treatment included desvenlafaxine, sleep and environmental modifications, and cognitive behavioral therapy, resulting in significant improvement in her symptoms.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware of summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder, as its atypical presentation can lead to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Why it matters
With rising global temperatures and increased light exposure, awareness and proactive screening for reverse SAD are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.