Is Winter Making You S.A.D.?

If you have not heard of SAD, you may have heard of a more common term: “the winter blues.” It is a disorder that is most common during fall and winter months; however, a milder version does affect some people in the spring or summer.

Symptoms of SAD vary as much as the seasons. Those suffering from the “winter blues” may experience loss of energy, anxiety, oversleeping, daytime fatigue, decreased sexual interest, weight gain, social withdrawal and moodiness.

Those feeling SAD during the spring and summer months may experience insomnia, irritability, agitation, weight loss, poor appetite and increased sexual energy.

So what causes SAD? There are many different hypotheses but no true known cause. Like most mental illness, genetics, chemical imbalances and other outside stimuli may have an affect on this illness.

Some suggest that the change in seasons affects our serotonin level; a chemical known to play a role in depression. The less sunlight, the less serotonin the body produces.

A similar hypothesis surrounds melatonin which is a sleep hormone. As daylight becomes shorter and the nights become longer, the production of melatonin increases and can also have an affect on depression.

There are different ways to treat the “winter blues” such as antidepressants and psychotherapy. Another option that is commonly employed is light therapy. This unique treatment option involves the patient sitting under light that simulates natural sunlight. The process is supposed to stimulate chemicals in the brain that relieve the depression, much like the sun’s light does during the spring and summer months.

Many therapists believe this is a useful treatment option, however, data is not very clear as to its success, and it has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration.

If left untreated, SAD can result in complications similar to depression. These can include one or more of the following: social withdrawal, drug or alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, or even problems at work or school.

You should seek medical attention if any of the symptoms of SAD arise, especially if these symptoms persist over several days in a month. Many people may feel depressed on any given cold, winter’s day, but when these feelings become consistent and frequent, this is the sign of a more severe situation.

Because SAD is a recognized mental illness, many physicians are able to diagnose and treat the condition. The severity of the illness and the patient’s ability to participate in treatment will ultimately determine which options a doctor will utilize.

Ultimately, your best outcome will depend on your own ability to recognize that you have a problem and seek out the proper medical attention from your family physician or psychiatrist.

Signs & Symptoms of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Source: www.MedicineNet.com

You should seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms persist over several days in a month.

• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Crying spells
• Irritability
• Concentration problems
• Body aches
• Loss of sex drive
• Disruption in sleep patterns
• Social Withdrawal
• Decreased activity levels
• Overeating (especially carbohydrates)