SAD: More than the Winter Blues at Her Active Life

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SAD: More than the Winter Blues

Posted February 28, 2008 at 06:00 PM by Courtney Albon

Section: Her Health, Her Motivation, Her News

Winter Woman Most people tread a little lighter when the sun is out, and find it easier to sleep through their alarm when it’s cloudy and cold outside.

The 4-6 percent of the population that suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience the above changes in mood and energy to the max. Symptoms are cyclical - triggered by the changing seasons - and grow in severity as the season progresses. And, while most SAD sufferers struggle in the fall and winter, some experience symptoms in the summer and spring as well.

Symptoms

As alluded above, SAD is not a prototypical disease. Symptoms depend on a person’s geographical location, family history of the disease, age, gender—and many other traits. There are, however, some symptoms common to most sufferers - depending on the seasons associated with their depression - that doctors use to diagnose the disorder.

Fall and Winter SAD

Spring and Summer SAD

Causes

A definitive cause of SAD has yet to be found, but there are many ideas about factors linked to its prevalence.
Seasonal Affective Lamp
The brain chemical serotonin is linked to mood - low levels lead to irritability - and many suffering with depression are lacking this chemical. Doctors have found a connection between reduced sunlight and low levels of serotonin, which suggests that those with fall and winter SAD may be influenced by serotonin levels.

Sleep cycles - or circadian rhythm - are also influenced by natural light. Shorter days mean less light, which, for some, zaps energy and triggers sleep. Disruption of this natural, fine-tuned cycle can is not good or the body and can lead to depression.

While being a woman is certainly not a direct cause of SAD, it is a risk factor of the disorder. Women ages 15 to 55 are more likely to be diagnosed than their male counterparts.

Treatment

Mild cases of SAD may require only small measures, such as more exposure to light. However, for those who suffer from more serious forms of the disorder, it is best to consult a doctor. Common treatment suggestions include:

Light therapy, while not approved by the FDA as a definitive cure for SAD, has helped many sufferers, mimicking the natural light their bodies need in the fall and winter months.

Medication such as antidepressants are another common form of treatment for SAD. Seek advice from your doctor, and be sure to ask about bupropion, a drug found to be effective for those with a history of depressive episodes.

Most comprehensive treatment approaches emphasize the role of psychotherapy. While the earth’s natural cycles are (pretty much) out of our control, it’s a good idea to identify any negative thoughts that contribute to the disorder and to find coping strategies that work for you.

For more information, check out: WebMD, Mayo Clinic and Medicine Net.