Seasonal Affective Disorder

The shorter days of fall and winter precipitate a syndrome that can consist of depression, fatigue, weight gain and a loss of libido. If these symptoms persist in the winter time as days get longer and longer, and clear in spring and summer, the diagnosis is usually Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Lack of adequate light impacts the body in a unique way. The body becomes deficient in Vitamin D and Serotonin levels reach their lowest point during December and January. Individuals living at latitudes above 40 north are more prone to these deficiencies. Along with a proper diet and full-spectrum sunlight therapy, a regime that includes Vitamin D and 5-HTP are helpful in treating SAD.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

When the weather is sunny and bright people tend to feel more upbeat and positive. When the weather is gloomy, cold and dismal, moods tend to slump and often people feel a little down.

However, for certain individuals these mood shifts develop into a type of depression that accompanies seasonal changes and affects their ability to function normally. Recurrent episodes of clinical depression that surface during seasonal changes, particularly winter, are referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

This condition is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus the part of the brain that governs the primary functions of the body such as appetite, temperature, sleep, sex drive, mood and activity.

The hypothalamus is stimulated by natural light entering the eye and striking the retina. When the days are short and sunlight is reduced, the hypothalamus has to adjust its response to the various body mechanisms, slowing down these functions.

Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder

Very often SAD is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms presented are so similar to other types of depression. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as a physical condition such as hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections.

The diagnosis for SAD is based upon the reported symptoms, along with a history of seasonal episodes.

The diagnosis for SAD is based upon the reported symptoms, along with a history of seasonal episodes.

A Seasonal Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) will also determine:

- Sleep patterns
- Weight changes
- Energy levels
- Mood changes
- Social activity

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

With shorter days of fall and winter do you feel

- Depressed?
- Anxiety?
- Gain weight?
- Have a hard time focusing?
- Hopelessness?
- Loss of Energy?
- Social Withdrawal?
- Oversleeping?
- Loss of interest in usual activities?

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The exact causes of SAD are unknown. Research shows that a lack of bright light during the winter months may be the cause of the development of symptoms of seasonal affective disorder - bright light affects the chemicals in the brain.

Lack of adequate light impacts the body in a unique way. The body becomes deficient in Vitamin D and Serotonin levels reach their lowest point during December and January. Individuals living at latitudes above 40? north are more prone to these deficiencies.

Other research shows that a disrupted body clock (circadian rhythm) causes depression and lethargy. In addition, low serotonin (neurotransmitters carrying messages to the brain) and melatonin levels (the hormone which makes us sleep) can be found in people suffering from SAD.

Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Conventional Therapy
Conventional drugs for the treatment of SAD include antidepressant medication such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil or Celexa. While these may be beneficial in the short term, many long term effects are unknown.

Psychotherapy
Counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very helpful and provide support during the difficult months as well as help with lifestyle changes.

Complementary Therapy

- Light therapy (phototherapy) requires you to sit in front of a light box or special lamp that is 10 to 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lights for approximately 30 minutes each day.
- Massage
- Diet rich in fruit and vegetables

Natural Remedies

There are a number of natural and holistic remedies that are better suited for the body than conventional medicine and can provide an answer on how to beat seasonal depression. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can provide harmony in the body to better balance your moods and feelings without the side effects and potential for dependency associated with the synthetic drugs.

Along with a proper diet and full-spectrum sunlight therapy, a regime that includes Vitamin D and 5-HTP are helpful in treating SAD.

Aromatherapy essential oils of lemon, grapefruit and geranium are well known for their anti-depressant properties and may be introduced into the environment by means of oil diffusers, space sprays, in a bath oil or during massage

Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder

In many cases, people who experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are often misdiagnosed because they symptoms are varied and common to other ailments. However, there are effective ways to treat and control SAD and it is not necessary for people to suffer year after year.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder associated with depression can affect daily living and should not be ignored. If you are wondering how to beat seasonal depression; treatment options include conventional therapy, psychotherapy, complementary therapy, natural therapy or a combination of these approaches.

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