Desert Seasonal Affective Disorder Exist? Environmental factors associated with anxiety, depression, and their comorbid symptoms among women in Northern Kenya

This paper examines the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), that exist in harsh and desert like conditions in Northern Kenya. These symptoms were identified and discussed during thematic, narrative group discussions that were conducted for a dissertation study with women living in Northern Kenya. The symptoms seemed to align well with those of SAD, which are characteristic of a recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern usually beginning in fall and continuing into winter months in countries in the Northern hemisphere that are further away from the equator. Previous research has shown that SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer, which the symptoms include sad mood and low energy. Those most at risk of this disorder are younger females, living far from the equator, and have family histories of depression, bipolar disorder, or SAD. During the narrative sessions, symptoms like SAD were noted during drought seasons. However, the criteria for diagnosis of those at risk of this disorder excludes the women or people living closer or at the equator.