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Monthly Health Topic
Does the Change of Seasons Get You Down?Many people welcome the change of seasons, as the leaves turn gold and orange, the first snowflakes begin to fall, and the days become shorter.
For some people, however, the changing seasons triggers a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a disorder that affects an estimated 6 percent of Americans. Symptoms, which usually begin in late fall and subside in spring, return year after year.
“SAD occurs when the daylight hours become shorter,” said Medical College of Wisconsin psychiatrist David Bresnahan, MD. “Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal biological clock. The more north a person lives, the greater the chance for experiencing SAD.”
| The symptoms of SAD include eating more than usual (especially craving carbohydrates), weight gain, fatigue, a drop in energy level, irritability and a tendency to oversleep. Not everyone who has SAD experiences the same symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. |
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“There’s no test to diagnose SAD,” Dr. Bresnahan said. “Rather, a person’s history is used to diagnose the disorder. If someone consistently develops symptoms during the fall each year, it’s likely that he or she has SAD. People who have depression throughout the year may become even more depressed during the fall season.”
Dr. Bresnahan said it’s helpful to see a mental health professional — a psychologist or a psychiatrist — to confirm that you’re experiencing SAD. “It’s better not to diagnose yourself; your symptoms may be caused by something else.”
Treatment for SADLight therapy is the most common treatment for SAD. “Light therapy involves sitting near a light box for 30 to 120 minutes each day,” Dr. Bresnahan said. “The light intensity should be at least 2,000 Lux (a unit of illuminance). You can read or do work while sitting near the light.” Light boxes can be obtained via the Internet and at medical supply stores.
Treatment may also include antidepressants, in particular bupropin, which has been studied in people with SAD. Dr. Bresnahan also suggests beating the seasonal blues by staying active and exercising. “If you feel like napping, take a walk instead. Keep busy and don’t allow a lot of down time.
“If you’re dragging for three or four months each year, getting treating will help you function better and make a big difference in your life.”
ResourcesSmall Stones, a health resource center of Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, offers the following resources on SAD:
BookWinter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD
Natural Spectrum Daylight lightsHappyLight Deluxe (10,000 Lux) Sunshine Supplement Light System by Verilux
HappyLite Mini Ultra (5,000 Lux) Sunshine Supplement Light System by Verilux
Author: Marla Fraunfelder Last Review Date: Nov. 1, 2009
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