Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression, or more appropriately called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs yearly, usually around the same time. It most commonly starts in fall or winter and would normally run its course through spring or early summer. It is not your typical “winter blues” or “cabin fever.”
An uncommon form of SAD, generally known as "summer depression," usually starts in late spring or early summer and runs its course until fall. People suffering from SAD have the same symptoms that are commonly associated with depression. Sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest in daily and routine activities, withdrawal from social activities, and inability to concentrate are a few of these symptoms. Aside from common depression symptoms, People who suffer from SAD also exhibit symptoms such as extreme exhaustion and lack of liveliness, increased need for sleep, craving for carbohydrates, and increased appetite which usually results in weight gain.
Roughly about 6 percent of the U.S. population has SAD, while 10 to 20 percent of Americans possibly suffer from a milder form of winter blues. About a third of the sufferers are women, who are mostly in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Although SAD may be most rampant during these ages, it has been observed that adolescents and children can also suffer from this disorder. Older adults are less susceptible to SAD.
The disorder is more common to people in high latitudes (geographic locations farther north or south of the equator) locations. This is most probably because of the more extreme seasonal changes that they experience. Studies show that about 1 percent of Florida residents, 4 percent of Washington, D.C. residents, and nearly 10 percent of Alaska residents suffer from the said disorder.
It is not known what exactly causes this condition. However, the influence of latitude on SAD strongly suggests that changes in the availability of sunlight may have a direct link with the disorder. One theory suggests that reducing exposure to sunlight delays the release of hormones that governs our body’s biological clock. Our mood and sleep receptors run more slowly in winter due to the decrease in sunlight. Exposure to light may however reset the biological clock.
Another theory implies that brain chemicals or neurotransmitters that transmit information between nerves may be changed in individuals with SAD. It is assumed that light exposure can help correct these imbalances. Latest studies show that morning light therapy is more effective than evening treatments. Using light therapy treatment too late in the day may also lead to insomnia. Many health professionals today prefer the 10,000 Lux for 30 minutes every morning treatment.
Patients who undergo this treatment ideally show some improvement within 2 to 4 days and reach its full benefits within 2 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, symptoms of SAD return fast after stopping light therapy treatment. It is advisable that light treatment be continued during the whole season of low sunlight.
If you think you experience symptoms of depression, you must consult your doctor. Physical problems may sometimes cause depression. In other instances though the symptoms of SAD become part of a more complex psychiatric problem. Only a qualified health professional can determine the level of depression and recommend the right form of treatment.

About the Author

Tim Clark writes health related articles, the majority of which can be found on his website on bi polar disorder , where he has a large listing of bipolar articles. For more on seasonal depression just follow the link.

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by: healthcons Total views: 14 Word Count: 547 Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 Time: 7:07 AM 0 comments