Seasonal Affective Disorder
Symptoms and Treatments
Seasonal Affective Disorder can usually be diagnosed after experiencing three or more winters of symptoms. The symptoms of SAD consist of the following:
Sleep Problems
The need to oversleep, difficulty staying awake, disturbed sleep or in some instances, early morning awakening.
Depression
Feelings of hopelessness and guilt, low self-esteem and sometimes loss of feelings.
Overeating
Craving sweets and carbohydrates, resulting in weight gain.
Anxiety
Feeling tense and unable to handle stress.
Lethargy
Feeling fatigued and unable to carry on your normal routine.
Mood Changes
Extreme changes in mood and short periods of being overactive in the spring and autumn seasonings.
Social Problems
Feeling irritable, avoiding social contact with others.
Immune System
Some individuals with SAD may show signs of a weakened immune system during the winter, making them more vulnerable to illness.
Treatments for SAD
Research has shown light therapy to be effective in 85% of those individuals diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Therapy consists of exposure to very bright light for up to 4 hours per day. Intensity of brightness needs to be at least ten times that of ordinary indoor lighting.
Treatment should be used during the winter months beginning in the early autumn. The individual undergoing treatment sits 2-3 feet way from a specially designed light box which allows the light to shine directly through the eyes. Normal activities such as reading, knitting or eating can be done while sitting in front of the light box. Effective results of the treatment are usually seen within 3-4 days. Results will continue as long as treatment is provided every day. It is advised that individuals do not wear tinted lenses or any other device that blocks light to the retina
Other Treatments
A study has shown that SAD symptoms improve when individuals spend at least one hour outside each day, as the weather allows. Outside light is often brighter than the light that comes from light boxes.
Eating a balanced diet may help improve the mood of individuals who crave sweets during the winter.
Depression is one of the many symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Non-sedative medications such as Seroxat or Prozac are helpful in relieving the symptoms of depression in those individuals who suffer from SAD. Traditional anti-depressants are usually not helpful in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder since they can make some symptoms worse.
Counseling or psychotherapy can help sufferers of SAD to relax, accept their illness and learn to deal with any limitations.
Side Effects of Light Therapy
Jitteriness, eyestrain and headaches can be a side effect of light therapy although it is very rare to experience these side effects. Occasionally some individuals will go into a manic state.
There has been concern that light therapy might have long term effects on the retina but there has been no documentation when proper screening of UV wavelengths are used.
Individuals who have diabetes or retinal degeneration and those taking certain medications such as Lithium and certain anti-depressants should be monitored by an ophthalmologist. Doctors recommend a baseline eye exam and annual monitoring.
Other Uses for Light Therapy
Research has been done using light therapy for PMS, Obesity and non-seasonal depression, but the results have not been as forthcoming as those for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although it may be a good idea to use light therapy as a more intense treatment for depression or in those individuals who are unable to use other forms of treatment.
The study on obesity was minimal and needs to be repeated with a larger, more specific group of participants. Those individuals who are obese may have lost weight due to the fact that their depression got better. Individuals with PMS who experienced more symptoms in the winter responded better to light therapy than those with PMS without a seasonal variation.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be very debilitating but there are treatments available to help lessen or relieve symptoms.
Published by Lisa Harvey
Lisa is new to Associated Content. She is a stay at home mom with two little boys. Her husband is Desert Storm Veteran. View profile
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- Research has shown light therapy to be 85% effective.
- Research has been done using light therapy for PMS, Obesity and non-seasonal depression.
- SAD can be very debilitating but there are treatments available to help lessen or relieve symptoms.