SEASONAL EFFECTIVE DISORDER

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

DEFINITION:

Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as SAD is a type of depression that many people experience during the winter months.  It can zap you of your energy and make you feel moody.  Then when the winter months start to subside and spring approaches many people start to feel better.

CAUSES:

The experts have yet to come up with a specific cause of SAD, but many think it may have to do with your biological clock (circadian rhythm).  They think because of the shortened daylight hours of the fall and winter and that the disruption of your biological clock may cause feelings of depression. Also, reduced sunlight can affect your serotonin level which affects mood.   A drop in your serotonin level may also bring on feeling of depression.  Then there’s your melatonin, which is a hormone that is part of the human sleep-wake cycle.  Light affects how much melatonin your body produces.  So once again during the shortened days of winter your body may produce melatonin earlier or later than usual and can lead to winter depression or SAD.

RISKS:

Women experience Seasonal Affective Disorder more than men, but men have worse symptoms.  A person with a family history of depression may be mere likely to suffer from SAD.  Also people that live further north or south of the equator have been known to suffer from the condition.

TREATMENT:

Light therapy, also called phototherapy, has been used as a first line treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder. You sit a few feet away from a specialized light therapy box; supposedly this light box mimics sunlight and causes changes in the brains chemicals therefore lifting your mood.  Antidepressants and psychotherapy have also been used. Lifestyle changes may provide some relief.  Try opening the curtains and blinds, taking walks outside and getting enough exercise.  Exercise is especially important because of its effect on your mood.  Endorphins are the “feel good” chemicals in your brain and exercising releases these chemicals. 

CONCLUSION:

If you happen to be an individual who tends to get moody and depressed in the winter and you don’t know what’s causing it, Seasonal Effective Disorder may be the culprit.  Just preparing yourself beforehand may help.  Reducing stress, exercising and maybe watching a few comedies may bring relief.