I live in South Florida and become depressed every summer. I hate the intense heat and stay indoors all season. My doctor thinks I suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Is there is such a thing as SAD that happens in the summer? Where can I find out more about it?

L.E.

There is a type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that's the reverse of the usual "winter blues" or winter depression, but it's pretty rare. It's sometimes called summer SAD, summer depression or reverse SAD, and is characterized by depression (including symptoms such as poor appetite, weight loss, insomnia, hopelessness, etc.) that develops in the spring and summer and remits in fall and winter. To be considered a true SEASONAL affective (or mood) disorder, the depression must occur ONLY during the particular season, occur at least two consecutive years during that season, and NOT be explained by any seasonal stressors (such as school schedule or seasonal unemployment).

As you may know, "regular" SAD or winter depression is thought to be caused by the shorter days of winter providing less light stimulation to the brain. Thus, phototherapy (light therapy) is a frequently prescribed treatment. Light boxes or light visors can be obtained commercially, although it's probably best for a knowledgeable professional to recommend the type of product and how to use it. (Warning: too much light can damage eyes, especially in sensitive individuals, and tanning beds or tanning lamps should never be used for light therapy because they emit potentially harmful ultraviolet rays, which can damage the skin.) The class of antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs -- which includes Prozac and Zoloft -- may be prescribed in lieu of light therapy. Counseling and behavior therapy are also reported to be effective in treating SAD.

That said, I'm afraid I have not been able to find much information on summer depression/summer SAD -- which, as I mentioned earlier, is much rarer than winter SAD. I don't know whether summer SAD would be expected to respond to light therapy (since there's MORE daylight in the summer than in the winter), SSRIs, counseling, etc., as does winter SAD. However, if you're staying inside all day due to the heat, you may not be getting much light even though the days are longer in the summer.

It may also be possible that your depressed mood could be related to the discomfort and irritation of summer's intense heat curtailing your normal activities. If that's the case, your mood change might not be a true SAD. Regardless, I'd discuss the possible diagnosis and treatment further with your doctor, and consider seeing a psychologist or other therapist to examine any possible psychological factors ... which could be helpful whether or not you have a true SAD.

You can find information about SAD, including some tips for coping, at the website for the American Academy of Family Physicians. Unfortunately, most of the material centers around winter depression, but you may still find some food for thought. Many people have also found Dr. Norman Rosenthal's book Winter Blues helpful.