What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter
months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months.
This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood
disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal
variations of light. SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not
officially named until the early 1980’s. For centuries, sunlight has
peaked and ebbed throughout the year, affecting the seasonal activities
of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation). SAD may be an
effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change,
there is a shift in our "biological internal clocks" or circadian
rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can
cause our biological clocks to be out of "step" with our daily
schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and
February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.
Symptoms Include:
*regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and
sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.
*full remission from depression occur in the spring and summer months.
*symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no nonseasonal depression episodes.
* seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression episodes.
*a craving for sugary and/or starchy foods.
Possible Cause of this Disorder:
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the
brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms
of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore,
when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone
increases.
Treatments
Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the
brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research
findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect,
many people respond to this treatment. The device most often used today
is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield
with a plastic screen. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during
the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may
be helpful. One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was
as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light. If
phototherapy doesn’t work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective
in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms, but there may be unwanted side
effects to consider. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your family
doctor and/or mental health professional.
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