Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Peggy Muelle, MA, LPC

Q: I am a 45 year old working mother my friends & family tell me that they think I might have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Can you tell me more about this please!

A: Someone who has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experiences symptoms on a cyclical yearly basis. Symptoms usually surface during winter and then recede during the spring and summer. During this time they feel depressed, tired, irritable, and can experience sleep problems and headaches. They also can crave sweet and starchy foods, which can result in weight gain. It's a disorder that commonly begins in young adulthood and usually affects more woman than men. Researchers are not 100% sure of its cause, however, there is a strong correlation between the amount of sunlight people experience and this disorder. There is a higher incidence rate of SAD the further north individual's live. There are some exceptions to the rule as some individuals experience a different set of symptoms on a cyclical basis but in the spring and summer instead of winter. Although there are fewer in number, Summer SAD is characterized by feelings of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, decreased appetite and increased libido. There may also be symptoms of manic behavior which include hyperactivity and an elevated mood, which is out of proportion to the situation.

Researchers can only speculate on the cause of SAD. Many feel as if heredity, age and your body's chemical makeup seem to play a roll as well as the availability of sunlight. It is believed that the amount of sunlight disrupts our circadian rhythms which regulate our internal clock. A change in sunlight can effect the time we go to sleep and wake up. The disruption of this pattern can cause depression along with the other noted symptoms. Melatonin is a hormone which facilitates sleep. Most people have an increase in melatonin in the winter and some Dr's believe that this hormone is linked to depression. Other research suggests that it's the level of serotonin in our brains which causes SAD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is triggered by sunlight. People who are depressed can have a lower level of this in their brains.

Of course, many people have days when they feel down or depressed, however if you begin to notice that this occurs for days at a time it may be time to seek help. People who are depressed begin to loose pleasure in things that they normally enjoyed. They can also see changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. Such behavior changes would certainly warrant an appointment with your Dr. as would any thoughts of suicide. In terms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, your Dr will be asking questions about whether these symptoms have occurred at the same time of year for 2 consecutive years. He or she will also ask if your mood lifts and improves once the season changes. Their examination will also help rule out any physical conditions that may exist.

Once the condition is properly diagnosed treatment can begin. Many people choose to try Light therapy. This involves sitting under a bright light (20 times brighter than indoor lighting) for 30 minutes each day. Nearly 70% report a reduction of their symptoms following this treatment. Some doctors will choose to prescribe an antidepressant in conjunction with light therapy or by itself. 70% of patients experience an improvement in their mood with this type of therapy. Many patients will also choose psychotherapy to help with this condition. Therapists will help support their client to explore ways of reducing their stress and decrease the behaviors and thoughts which may be a factor in their depression. They will also encourage their clients to promote healthy activities such as outdoor exercise and possible dietary changes.

Here are some Web sites to learn more about SAD:

www.ncpamd.com
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/seasonalafftectivedosorder.html
www.mayoclinic.com/print/seasonal-affective-disorder
www.medicinenet.com

Peggy Muelle, M.A., LPC is a Professional Counselor who has been in the clinical field for over 16 years. She has extensive training in substance abuse treatment as well as individual and family therapy. She is currently employed by an Employee Assistance program in Troy and has a private practice in Grosse Pointe.

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