Seasonal Affective Disorder

What is SAD?
An estimated 2% to 3% of the general population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that seems to be related to the amount of sunlight that you are exposed to. An extreme form of the "winter blues," SAD is worst for most people in the fall and winter. In rare cases, some people develop SAD during the late spring or early summer months. If you have episodes of depression that recur at the same time every year for more than 2 years, you may have SAD, and not just the occasional winter blues.

SAD is a real medical condition that can affect anyone, even people who are not already predisposed to depression. The condition is more common in women than in men. Most people who develop SAD start experiencing symptoms between the age of 18 and 30. Most people with SAD live in northern climates where there are shorter days in the winter months. Their symptoms begin to lessen in the spring when the amount of sunlight increases each day.

What are the symptoms of SAD?
People with SAD feel tired and lethargic and may withdraw from friends and family. They may have less interest in activities that they usually enjoy. Other symptoms include the following:

• inability to concentrate
• sadness or despair
• increased appetite, cravings for sweet and starchy foods, and weight gain (usually occurring in the winter months)
• irritability
• increased sleepiness
• lack of energy
• decreased interest in work and social activities

Many symptoms of SAD are similar to those of major depression. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above.

What causes SAD?
While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, researchers believe the condition may be related to the body's internal clock, which regulates temperature and hormone production. Nerve centers in the brain control our daily moods and rhythms and are stimulated by the amount of light that enters our eyes.

During the night and in periods of reduced light (as occurs in the winter), a gland in the brain produces a hormone called melatonin, which makes you feel drowsy. SAD may be related to increased levels of melatonin in the body. On dull winter days, people with the condition may have difficulty waking up, and may feel drowsy or "down" during the day.

Other research is looking at the role of serotonin in SAD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical in the brain) that helps to regulate mood and behaviour. Sunlight seems to have an effect on serotonin levels. Therefore, the shorter days and longer nights associated with the fall and winter season may cause decreased levels of serotonin.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder

There are several forms of treatment currently available to help people with SAD. The most effective treatments include a combination of light therapy, medications, and complementary therapies.

Light therapy
Daily exposure to bright light (phototherapy) may help balance certain brain chemicals and reset body rhythms. Usually, light therapy involves sitting in front of a high-intensity fluorescent light source that is meant to simulate daylight. Most light therapy is prescribed at 10,000 lux (a unit of illumination) for 1 to 2 hours each morning (generally less time with increasing lux values). For some people, 30 minutes to 2 hours of treatment with bright light may be as effective as antidepressant medication. You should sit in front of the box with your eyes open, but do not look directly into the light source.

Light sources include fluorescent light boxes, light visors, or light units worn on the head. White fluorescent light is safer than ultraviolet light. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before symptoms of SAD are relieved with light therapy. Talk to your doctor before choosing light therapy, as it is not appropriate for everyone. There are also certain side effects associated with this technique, including eye strain, headaches, nausea, and agitation.

Most light boxes cost between $100 and $300 and are not covered by all insurance plans. You should contact your insurance provider to determine their policy on light therapy device coverage. Ask your doctor for more information if you're considering purchasing a light box. Look for one that is CSA Group-approved (formerly the Canadian Standards Association; CSA) and has a filter to block ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be harmful to the eyes.

Medications
Some antidepressant medications may be used to treat people with more severe cases of SAD. Ask your doctor for more information about medications (and potential side effects) if you suffer from SAD.

Exercise therapy
Daily physical activity helps people overcome fatigue and depression.

Complementary therapy
Certain herbs may help treat symptoms of SAD. For example, St. John's wort may help ease depression. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal products, as these medications may interact with prescription or non-prescription drugs (e.g., antidepressants). If you are already using light therapy, remember that St. John's wort and some antidepressant medications may increase your sensitivity to light.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder

If you're affected by SAD, what can you do to duck the depression? Here are some things that can help.

Daily exercise
Regular physical activity helps fight fatigue and depression, especially if you exercise during the day or near light sources. Keep in mind that outdoor light, even when the sky is overcast, is often brighter than light boxes, so an hour spent outside during the day can help ease symptoms of SAD and prevent episodes of depression. Find an outdoor hobby that you can enjoy throughout the winter months such as skating, skiing, or walking.

Seek the sun
Even during the winter months, go outside as often as possible. Even weak sunlight and light reflected off snow can increase your exposure to light and help ease symptoms of SAD. Arrange your home and office to maximize your exposure to light, and look for sunlit windows for reading, eating, or working.

Be aware of your moods
Self-awareness can alleviate some of the feelings of distress during these seasons. Be aware of your moods and energy level and attempt to maintain perspective. But remember that SAD is not your fault. It is a medical condition that can be treated. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of SAD.

You're not alone
SAD is still not fully understood, but statistics indicate that about 2% to 3% of the general population suffers from this type of depression. If you are experiencing feelings that are greater than mild depression, do not be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your friends, your family, and your doctor. Using your support network can help decrease your feelings of isolation or depression.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder

Holidays are usually fun but can be frantic too! Shopping lists, cooking, holiday guests, and planning for celebrations can add up to stress for most people at Christmas-time. Help prevent holiday stress with the following tips:

Plan ahead: You know how it goes with procrastination – last minute scrambling through shopping malls and madly wrapping gifts. Plan your shopping list a month ahead and schedule time to shop early. Prepare any meals or holiday treats a few weeks before the holidays.

Make time to relax: Take time for activities you enjoy and find relaxing. For example, enjoy reading in front of a fire, or go skating with a friend. Don't compromise a relaxing winter evening for another night in the shopping mall.

Put expectations in check: If you're hoping for perfection (from yourself or your holiday experience), you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Be realistic in your holiday preparations and the holiday experience itself.

Look for help: Try not to take it all on yourself. Connect with your spouse, family, and friends and share the responsibilities for holiday shopping, preparing, and cooking.

Set limits: Commit yourself to a certain amount of gifts bought and money spent. Say “no” to extra holiday work and be honest with yourself about the amount of energy and time you can devote to holiday events and guests. If your social calendar is over-booked, say “no” to an extra pre-holiday party.

Eat, drink... but be healthy: Holidays are usually full of all your favorite things – including sweets, treats, and cocktails. Don't deny yourself, but practice moderation while enjoying parties and holiday meals.

Don't forget the fun! Remember the reason for all your holiday planning: a season for celebration and time spent enjoying your family and friends. Take the time and effort to remember what this holiday season means to you, and enjoy it!

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder