Seasonal Affective Disorder

Symptoms of Depression During the Fall and Winter Months

Nov 25, 2009 Toni D'Anna - Hernandez

Seasonal affective disorder occurs when there is less sunlight during the colder seasons. This condition can also occur during the spring and summer months.

Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is a type of depression. Many refer to it as the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk, but the fact remains that it is a treatable condition that does not have to be toughed out. Seasonal depression is a cyclic condition and the symptoms return at the same time each year. This condition typically occurs during the colder months, but can also occur during the warmer months as well.

Symptoms of Winter and Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder should be discussed with a healthcare professional to find the best course of treatment. Symptoms of SAD differ depending on the season in which it develops. The fall and winter seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Oversleeping
• Anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Appetite changes including cravings for high-carbohydrate foods
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating

The symptoms of spring and summer seasonal affective disorder or summer depression differ from winter depression, but are also similar. Everyone is different, so a mixture of both symptoms can be felt. The symptoms of spring and summer seasonal affective disorder include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Poor appetite
• Increased sex drive
• Weight loss
• Agitation
• Irritability

Know When to Seek Help

If symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are experienced as well as the following list of red flags, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

• Relying on alcohol or drugs for comfort or relaxation
• Sleeping too much or unable to sleep
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others
• Inability to enjoy activities once enjoyed

Causes and Risks of Seasonal Affective Disorder

There are several causes of seasonal affective disorder. This disorder is like any other mental health condition and genetics, age and the body's chemistry play a role in causing symptoms. A few other causes to this condition include:

• Serotonin levels – A drop in this brain chemical affects mood. The reduced sunlight in the winter can cause a drop in this chemical, resulting in a depressed mood.
• Melatonin levels – a natural hormone that plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. Seasonal changes interfere with the balance of this hormone in the body.
• Circadian rhythm – This rhythm is the body's biological clock. The reduced sunlight in the fall and winter changes the body's internal biological clock. This clock lets the body know when to sleep and when to be awake, and disrupting the circadian rhythm can cause feelings of depression.

In addition to the causes of seasonal affective disorder, there are also factors that can put an individual at a higher risk. Risks for seasonal affective disorder include having a family member with the same disorder, living too far from the equator with reduced hours of sunlight, and being female. Seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed more in women, but the symptoms are more severe in diagnosed men.

Therapy Options to Treat SAD

A combination of therapies works best for treating seasonal affective disorder. Individuals may find relief through phototherapy or light therapy, medications and counseling. In addition to what a healthcare provider can do, there are home remedies, lifestyle changes and alternative medicine to try. Traditional therapy includes:

• Light therapy – Phototherapy with a high quality light therapy box mimics outdoor light. Exposure to the bright light has been shown to change the chemicals in the brain affecting mood and carries fewer side effects than medicine.
• Medications – Antidepressants like Bupropion known as Wellbutrin XL can help prevent episodes of depression. Other medications to treat seasonal depression include Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Sarafem and Effexor. These medicines can take several weeks to work and trying several types to find the one that works best with the least amount of side effects may occur.
• Counseling – Psychotherapy can help through mood and behavior changes, although seasonal affective disorder is found to be a biochemical process. Counseling helps change negative thoughts and behaviors leading to healthier ways to cope, manage stress and feel better.

Changes in Lifestyle and Environment to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Therapy for this condition continues at home and making a few changes can help alleviate symptoms. Try these simple measures in addition to therapy:

• Environmental changes – Sit closer to bright windows while at home or work, keep blinds open, add skylights and trim tree branches outside that are obstructing sunlight.
• Recreation outdoors – Soak up the sun outside whenever possible. Sitting on a bench at the park to eat lunch, taking a walk or working outside in the yard can all help alleviate symptoms.
• Exercise – physical activity helps alleviate stress and anxiety, boosts mood and a body that is fit helps the mind as well.

Alternative Medicine Choices and Therapy for the Body and Mind

Alternative medicine may help, but should be used cautiously in conjunction with prescription medicine and other physical conditions. They can help treat depression, but if symptoms are severe, they may not alleviate seasonal affective disorder completely. Many alternative therapy choices can be found here. Also try the following alternative measures to help:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – These fats are found typically in cold-water fish. Flaxseed oil and walnuts also contain Omega-3. They have been shown to be complementary in relieving depressive symptoms.
• Melatonin – This hormone regulates mood and sleep. The dose should be discussed with a doctor to find one that works best.
• SAMe – Although it is not approved by the FDA, SAMe is currently used in Europe as a prescription to treat depression. It is a synthetic form of a chemical naturally occurring in the body.
• St. John's Wort – In individuals with mild to moderate depression, St. John's Wort can be beneficial in treating symptoms..

Therapy for the mind and body considered alternative but shown to relieve depressive symptoms include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and massage therapy.

Seasonal affective disorder is a treatable mental health condition and can be easily relieved. Individuals experiencing symptoms and suffering from this condition should speak to their healthcare provider to find out what works best.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. (Sept. 2009) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The copyright of the article Seasonal Affective Disorder in General Medicine is owned by Toni D'Anna - Hernandez. Permission to republish Seasonal Affective Disorder in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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