Seasonal Affective Disorder Signs and Treatments
Light Box Therapy for Winter Depression or SAD
Oct 4, 2007
Seasonal Affective Disorder is also known as SAD or winter depression, and it's most likely to hit in the winter months. SAD light box therapy has been shown to be effective in treating seasonal depression.
"This condition, characterized by depression, exhaustion and lack of interest in people and regular activities, interferes with a person's outlook on life and ability to function properly," says Dr Angelos Halaris ("Does Your Mood Take a Nosedive Each November?" ScienceDaily, October 1, 2007).
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder is triggered by lack of light in winter months, which is why it's also known as winter depression. The lack of light changes the chemistry in the brain (unbalances it), which makes people susceptible to depression or SAD more likely to be affected. Sunlight also gives blood energy; some doctors believe people with Seasonal Affective Disorder have blood that isn't absorbing enough light.
SAD in the Summer
"Winter depression" goes beyond the winter months for some people, who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder all year long. Summer SAD is less common, and the symptoms of summer SAD are the opposite of the symptoms in winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (e.g., insomnia, weight loss, appetite loss).
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
In addition to fatigue, exhaustion and lack of interest, symptoms of winter depression include a craving for sugar or sweets and weakened social relationships. People with SAD may not have the energy or interest in keeping up their friendships and relationships with family. Stronger symptoms of SAD or seasonal depression includes feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of suicide.
Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Treatments for seasonal affective disorder include light therapy, which can act as a SAD antidepressant. Light therapy can be as simple as ensuring you're exposed to as much sunlight as possible during the day. Natural light is effective even if it's cloudy or gray outside; even opening your curtains will help.
Seasonal Affective Disorder light therapy can include light therapy lamps or boxes, or headbands with mounted lights. As with any mood disorder, treatments for SAD can involve a combination of antidepressants, lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and light therapy.
Some researchers have found that talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy is a more effective treatment for SAD than light therapy. These doctors believe light therapy increases sedentary behavior (if it involves simply sitting in front of a box or light unit). On the other hand, talk therapy helps with dysfunctional thoughts and behavior, and can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal depression.
The Problems of Self-Medicating and SAD
Doctors warn against "self-medicating", which means drinking alcohol, doing drugs, or even overeating to alleviate the winter blues (or any mood disorder or depression). Depression can make people more vulnerable to substance addiction; they feel bad and simply want to feel better.
People with seasonal affective disorder must avoid self-medicating, and instead explore the different treatment options for depression with their doctor.
Related Reading on Seasonal Affective Disorder
For more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder, read Resources for Seasonal Depression.
Other helpful articles include Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder and Physical Signs of Depression.
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