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Many people describe increased feelings of depression during the winter months. For those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the critical variable is not colder temperatures, nor the increased contact with family members during the holidays; the critical factor in this type of depression is the amount of daylight. For those with SAD, the symptoms tend to come and go at about the same time each year. Symptoms of SAD include: sleeping more than usual; craving sugar, starchy foods or alcohol; weight gain; irritability and conflicts with others; and in children, behavioral problems. It is estimated that in North America six percent of the population has SAD. Three times as many may have a milder case of “winter blues.” SAD is most common in Northern latitudes (which include Michigan) and among young adult women. The severity of SAD can be lessened by positive behavioral changes, such as maintaining a regular sleep and wakefulness schedule, exercising regularly and spending time outside every day. The most effective treatment for SAD is through the daily use of a specialized light box which mimics sunlight. Bright-light therapy relieves symptoms of SAD for about two thirds of people with SAD and has few side effects. Symptoms may improve within a few days of starting bright-light therapy or may take as long as three to four weeks. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2006 found that: treatment with light therapy was just as effective as treatment with an anti-depressant; light therapy patients had more improvement after just one week; and patients had some unpleasant medication related side effects. Though reduced sunlight has been linked to both SAD and lack of sunlight leads to low levels of vitamin D in the blood, there is no evidence that low levels of vitamin D is connected to depressive symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2009 reported the results of research that examined the levels of vitamin D and symptoms of depression in over 3000 individuals; and no connection was found. Before beginning light therapy for SAD, it is important that you consult a professional in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Light therapy will not help if your symptoms are not the result of SAD. Before starting any light therapy, it is important to rule out other medical diagnoses which would require other treatments and to consider possible contraindications for the use of a light box. Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression) shares symptoms common to other types of depression. Symptoms may include: For more than 2 months either… Depressed, sad, empty or irritable mood, or Lack of interest in activities or relationships And several additional complaints such as… Feeling worthless or guilty Fatigue or loss of energy Difficulty with concentration, memory or decisions Thoughts of death or suicide Change in sleep Change in appetite, weight For a total of at least five of the above. In a Seasonal Depression, the symptoms have occurred and remitted seasonally for at least two years, and not due to situational factors such as unemployment. |
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