ADHD Experts Podcast 487- How Seasonal Affective Disorder Uniquely Affects People with ADHD
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Jan 27, 2024 J.J. Sandra Kooij, an expert in seasonal affective disorder and ADHD, discusses the relationship between SAD and ADHD, the impact of genetic factors and light exposure on sleep patterns, and the connection between SAD and screen addiction. The podcast also explores the effects of SAD on teenagers and women with ADHD, potential treatments like light therapy and melatonin, and the connection between ADHD and restless leg syndrome. Overall, it provides valuable insights into how SAD uniquely affects people with ADHD and offers possible solutions.
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ADHD and Delayed Sleep Phase
- People with ADHD tend to have a genetically delayed sleep phase, going to bed very late and getting shortened sleep duration.
- This chronic late sleep causes symptoms overlapping with ADHD such as sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty focusing.
Light Intensity's Impact on ADHD
- Intense daytime light improves circadian rhythm, consolidating biological clocks and reducing ADHD symptoms.
- Higher ADHD prevalence correlates inversely with light intensity in geographical regions.
Increased SAD Prevalence in ADHD
- People with ADHD have a nine-fold increased prevalence of seasonal affective disorder compared to the general population.
- Winter depression severity increases with latitude due to decreased light exposure in northern regions.