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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. As sunlight has affected 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.
For More Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
National Mental
Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
Society for
Light Treatment and Biological Rhythm
P.O. Box 591687
174 Cook Street
San Francisco, CA 94159-1687
Sources: The Harvard Mental Health Letter - February 1993.
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