Welcome to Winter: Identifying and Treating SAD

 
Seasonal Effect Disorder (now referred to as Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern)commonly effects about 5% of the population commonly beginning between the ages18-30; more common among women than men. While most of us in the northern region are effected by lessening of light (vitamin D) during the fall and winter months and change in our circadian rhythms due to the increase in darkness, SAD is different than “the winter blues.” Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, even with too much sleep, and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. SAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression, such as:
    Feeling of sadness or depressed mood
    Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
    Changes in appetite; usually eating more, craving carbohydrates
    Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much
    Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours
    Increase in restless activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech
    Feeling worthless or guilty
    Trouble concentrating or making decisions
    Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide


The APA recommends diagnosis of SAD through the following criteria:

• Depression and other symptoms that have occurred for at least two consecutive years, during the same season every year.
• The periods of depression have been followed by periods without depression.
• There are no other explanations for the changes in mood or behavior.

Treatment:
While SAD symptoms can lessen without treatment with the change of seasons into spring treatments for SAD include light therapy using a UV light that simulates the sun. It is recommended to sit within 2 feet of the light in the morning from fall through winter months for min. 20 minutes per day. Therapy (especially CBT) can assist in identifying and managing symptoms. Use of SSRI medications(antidepressants). Spending time outside- fresh air! Eating healthfully. Other suggestions include taking supplements including multivitamins, vitamin D,B-Complex Vitamins, fish oil or use of essential oils including lemon, lavender, chamomile, rose, etc. While symptoms have the potential to last up40% of the year, the change in season into spring and later into summer can bring relief, increasing energy and boosting serotonin.