Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Nearly everyone experiences an energy surge in the fall. For families, school and activities begin again. Renewed acquaintances and exciting plans spur us on. Just around the corner are fun family-oriented holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. The excitement builds.

However, the after-holiday let-down can be devastating for many folks. Midwinter days may certainly be bleak and dreary. In fact, many people experience moodiness, sadness, energy loss, and a motivational decline during this darker season.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may also be known as winter depression or the winter blues. Experts believe it is closely related to light, rather than temperature. This condition may be quite serious, although it tends to be under-diagnosed.

The good news is this: SAD can be treated and managed. But first, it must be identified.

What are the symptoms?

Those affected by it generally feel fine throughout most of the year, but face depression-like symptoms during the winter. Bright, sunny days tend to cheer them up, but gloomy weather gives them the blues. SAD sufferers may experience sadness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, loneliness, social withdrawal, sluggishness, fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, and even violent tempers.

Who suffers from it?

SAD is most common among people living in climates with longer, darker winters. In Scandinavia, Alaska, and Polar regions, where long periods of winter darkness occur, it may be extremely prevalent. However, SAD is virtually non-existent in tropical areas.

Whether by heredity or simply by living conditions, SAD tends to run in families. Women may be more likely to suffer from SAD than men. It may occur in teens, but it is most common in adults. According to most estimates, about six percent of the general population may have it.

How serious is this condition?

Symptoms may range from slight depression to a clinical condition requiring hospitalization. Some patients may experience reduced energy levels, while others may be immobilized and unable to get out of bed at all.

What causes SAD?

Scientists have theorized that diminished exposure to sunlight may lead to a drop in serotonin, an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that is closely related to depression.

Another theory relates the condition to melatonin levels, based on a link between the retina (in the eye) and the body's ability to produce melatonin, a sleep-related hormone produced in the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain. . Excessive melatonin may suppress mood and even cause a drop in body temperature. Essentially, visual exposure to light suppresses the body's production of melatonin.

What treatment options are available?

Exercise, outdoor activity, and light therapies are often prescribed for SAD sufferers. Human moods and energy levels, in general, are closely tied to exercise and environment. In severe cases, antidepressant medication, ionized air treatments (during sleep), and psychotherapy may be recommended.

Bright light therapy appears to show the most promise for treating SAD. Patients are placed near an extremely bright light (exponentially brighter than most interior light sources) for 1-3 hours a day. Although they do not stare directly at the light, patients remain within sight of it, so that they may be affected by its brightness without damaging their eyes. Usually, within a week or two, most patients will experience a marked improvement in mood and energy. Bright light therapy poses little risk of adverse side effects, so it can be a very safe and useful option for SAD sufferers.

How can the effects of SAD be minimized?

Individuals can take several steps to improve their ability to live with SAD. Increasing the amount of light (particularly natural light) in the home and workplace are key measures. Installing skylights, opening window blinds, and trimming outside tree branches will allow sunlight to filter inside. Planning outdoor activity (even in winter) will help considerably. (A simple walk to the mailbox can be a mood-lifter.) Exercise and stress management techniques are valuable as well.

With a bit of education, self awareness, and effort, individuals can do a lot to manage SAD during the dark, cold seasons. And the best news is this: brighter days are on the way!