Seasonal Affective Disorder

As fall approaches and moves into winter, the days become shorter and we see less of the sun.  Combined with the long nights of darkness and falling temperatures, some people may begin to feel lethargic and fatigued.  They may also eat more and sleep more. Many brush this off as ‘cabin fever’ or ‘winter blues’.

These symptoms may be a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  This depression can severely impair your daily life.  It may start as mild but progress as the season progresses. The symptoms of SAD may include depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, appetite changes (especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates), weight gain and difficulty concentrating and processing information. SAD is a cyclic, seasonal disorder which means it typically appears at the same time every year and only lasts until a     person adjusts to the fall and winter seasons or spring and   summer return.

Although experts are not sure what causes SAD, it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light may upset your sleep-wake cycle and it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood.

Treatment for (SAD) doesn't cure the seasonal depression, but it can help relieve your symptoms. Light therapy is the main treatment for SAD.  With light therapy a person sits in front of a box containing florescent bulbs, stronger than usual ones but not as strong as the sun (the box is available commercially).  It takes up to two weeks of treatment to work but the idea is to reset the ‘biological rhythm’ or a person’s natural cycle of sleeping and waking. Before starting this treatment speak with your doctor to see if it is appropriate.  If light therapy is suddenly stopped the symptoms of depression may return.

Medicines may be used to treat SAD.  Antidepressants are most common but may take up to six weeks for a person to begin to improve and can be used along with the light therapy. Counseling can help you learn more about SAD and how to manage your symptoms.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Risk factors.” Online posting. 27 September 2007. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=risk-factors>.

Curtis, Jeannette. “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Treatment Overview.” Online posting. 8 August 2008. <http://health.yahoo.com/depression-treatment/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-treatment-overview/healthwise--hw169586.html>.