Don’t Be “Sad” This Winter

For most of the country the coming of winter is inevitable. For some this means a change in mood and eating habits. This could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

SAD is regarded as a major type of depression. Symptoms are a loss of energy, change in appetite (especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods), tendency to oversleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, increased sensitivity to social rejection and an avoidance of social situations (not wanting to leave the house). It occurs seasonally, usually beginning in late fall or early winter and lasting through March or April. The symptoms of SAD come and go at the same time every year.

It is estimated that 4 to 6 percent of people may have winter depression, while another 10 to 20 percent may have a mild case of SAD. People living in the northern latitudes, where there are fewer hours of daylight, suffer from it more than those in the southern latitudes. Women, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40, are four times as likely to be affected than men. SAD usually doesn’t occur in people younger than 20. The chances of getting SAD decrease as you get older.

While there is no exact cause, the cure is very straightforward–more light during the winter months. In severe cases, however, antidepressants may need to be prescribed.

For mild cases, a light box, a device that provides artificial light, is prescribed. Patients spend anywhere from 30 minutes (usually in the morning) to two or three hours a day using these boxes. If the light therapy helps, it should be used until springtime, when more sunlight is available. Light therapy is said to be effective in 60 to 90 percent of SAD cases and improvement can often be seen within a week’s time.

If the therapy is used late in the day, there could be possible side effects. These include eye strain, headache, fatigue, irritability and insomnia. Tanning beds should not be used to treat SAD. The light sources in tanning beds are high in Ultraviolet rays, which are harmful to your skin and eyes.

While winter SAD is much more well known, SAD can occur in the summer also. It begins in the late spring or early summer. Symptoms of the summer version of SAD are poor appetite, weight loss and insomnia.

Both types of SAD may include some of the symptoms that also occur in other kinds of depression, like feelings of guilt, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, or physical problems like headaches or stomachaches.

As with any kind of medical condition, if you think you have SAD, consult a doctor, preferably one that is familiar with SAD. Do not attempt self- diagnosis. SAD can be treated, so don’t let winter, or summer, get the best of you.