Information From Your Health Care Provider

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

(SAD)

Basic information

description

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common mood disorder. It usually recurs each year during the winter months and stops when spring begins. Light plays a major part in its origin and in its treatment. It can affect both adults and children, and is more common in women. In rarer instances, the seasonal disorder symptoms occur in the summer months and may be caused by intolerance to heat.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms usually begin in September when days begin to shorten, and last through the winter into March when the days begin to get longer again.
Depression.
Feeling tired, sluggish, and needing more sleep.
Increased appetite (craves sweet or starchy foods).
Weight gain.
Irritability and feeling less cheerful.
Being less social.
Decreased interest in sex and physical contact.
Joint aches, stomach problems, and more infections.

causes

It is thought that the lack of bright light in winter months causes changes in the brain chemistry. Melatonin, a substance produced at night by the pineal gland, normally helps with sleep. When too much melatonin is produced due to longer nights, it can cause symptoms of depression. Reduced sunlight can also cause a drop in serotonin, another brain chemical. This may lead to depression in some people.

risk increases with

Area of the country where person lives. People in northern latitudes are more susceptible to SAD.
Family history of SAD.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No preventive measures.

expected outcomes

With correct diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be helped. The symptoms may recur the following year.

possible complications

Problems in coping with life because of symptoms.
May progress to more severe depression.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Diagnosing SAD can be difficult. The same symptoms can arise from other types of depression. Blood tests may be done to rule out other medical disorders. Diagnosis usually requires a two-year pattern of mood changes that begin in the autumn and stop in the spring.
Mild symptoms may be helped with simple measures. Keep drapes and blinds open in your house and sit near windows and gaze outside often. Turn on bright lights on cloudy days. Keep a diary or journal of your mood changes so that any changes or patterns can be tracked. Stay social, visit friends, and stay busy with activities.
Treatment may involve light therapy (phototherapy). Duration and intensities of this therapy will vary for each person. (It is recommended that light therapy not be used without medical advice.) Types include:
- Sitting in a very bright light (equal to 10 or more 100-watt bulbs) for a period in the morning and, sometimes, in the evening. The term lux (Latin for light) is the unit of measure for the light therapy.
- Installing a computerized system of lighting in a patient's bedroom that creates an artificial dawn. The light goes from very dim to bright like a sunrise.
- Avoid tanning beds for therapy. The ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to skin and eyes.
Other forms of treatment include drugs or counseling to help the person cope with the symptoms.
To learn more: Mental Health America, 2000 N. Beauregard St., 6th Flr., Alexandria, VA 22311; (800) 969-6642; website: mentalhealthamerica.net.

medications

Antidepressants may be prescribed.

activity

Stay as active as your energy permits. Physical activity is almost always good for mood disorders.
Get outside as much as possible, especially in the early morning light.
Take vacations in the winter months.