Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that happens for some people during the fall and winter months. These people often experience increased sadness, low energy level and generally need more sleep than usual but never feel like they have rested enough. They withdraw from friends and family and experience changes in appetite and food preference. Often they have problems functioning at work. People who suffer from this disorder have times during the summer and spring months when they are not depressed. In fact they may actually feel more energetic, require less sleep, focus on tasks and follow through on them.

Most people with SAD are women (83%) and these women are usually in their thirties when they have their first episode of the disorder. In a study done in Washington D.C., it was found that SAD sufferers had depressions that lasted approximately 5 months and that the depression usually started in October or November and ended in March or April. Their depressions were usually mild to moderate and occasionally severe. These people were found to often have a close relative with some kind of psychiatric condition - most frequently a major mood problem or alcohol abuse.

The most important characteristic about this kind of depression is how well it responds to changes in lighting and climate. Sufferers note that their depression is worse in the northern vs. southern locations and climes. Sometimes even long periods of cloudy weather or working in an office without a window or with low artificial light can affect their moods in a negative way.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has done experiments with patients by exposing them to artificial lights for different lengths of time. The researchers have found that this treatment has had antidepressant effects in approximately 80% of the 112 patients. Usually these effects occur within one week after treatment has begun. The light source most frequently used has been full spectrum flourescent light using six or eight tubes. The light box is usually 2 x 4 feet. It is placed either vertically or horizontally on a level surface like a desk or table. People are instructed to sit in front of the light for 2 to 5 hours a day. They do not have to stare directly at the light but can do whatever activities they would normally do while sitting down (sewing, writing, reading, etc.) making sure that they glance at the light from time to time.

While this light treatment often helps a person feel less depressd, in some cases people may experience side effects such as eyestrain, headaches, irritability, higher energy than is comfortable and insomnia. When this happens it helps to sit further away from the lights or decrease the amount of time in front of the lights. It doesn't seem to matter what time of the day the light exposure happens, however morning treatments may be more effective.

It is important to remember that this is new research and there is still much to learn. If you feel you might be suffering from this disorder please contact a qualified mental health professional.

For further information contact Regions Health and Wellness Program at 651 254-5708 (Voice) or (651) 221-3258 (TTY).