Seasonal Affective Disorder
According to the National Mental Health Association, 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.
Symptoms may 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.
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.
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 about Seasonal Affective Disorder and Bright Light Therapy, ask your doctor, call us at 315.445.5606 or check out these links:
Mayo Clinic Article on Bright Light Therapy
Northern Light Technologies: Distributor of Lightboxes and other Bright Light Therapy products
Information about seasonal affective disorder from the American Academy of Family Physicians