Are you sad, or is it SAD? How to Identify and Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

December 5, 2008 - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during the fall and winter months, and it is thought to be due in part to people’s lack of exposure to daylight during the shortened days of these seasons. Parkridge Valley’s nurse practitioner Angela Wells gives tips on how to recognize and manage what some call “the winter blues.”

“People who suffer from SAD are fine during the spring and summer months, but have a noticeable ‘slump’ as the daylight hours shorten between September and November,” notes Wells. “Symptoms may include a lack of energy, oversleeping, general feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, cravings for starchy or high carbohydrate foods, weight gain, or a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.” These symptoms tend to last throughout the winter, and disappear with the onset of spring and summer. Those who are afflicted with SAD may notice that the symptoms appear and disappear at the same time each year.

While the specific cause of SAD is unknown, some experts think that the lack of sunlight may disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm (the internal ‘clock’ that regulates sleep/wake cycles), triggering depression. Others think that the condition is chemical in nature, the result of a brain that is releasing too much of the sleep-related melatonin or too little of the feel-good serotonin in response to decreased exposure to sunlight. It is thought that genetics, age and body chemistry may also play a role in whether or not a person develops SAD.

“People at-risk for SAD can manage or lessen symptoms through self-treatments – going outside during work breaks or positioning yourself close to an unshaded window while at work or at home,” says Wells. “Regular exercise and a balanced diet may also lessen feelings of depression.” However, Wells notes that people should seek assistance if symptoms of SAD are impairing their lives. Research has shown that women tend to be more at-risk for developing seasonal affective disorder, but the men who develop the condition have been shown to display more severe symptoms of depression. Left untreated, the condition can interfere with performance at school or work, result in substance abuse or even thoughts of suicide.

“No one is happy all the time, but if you have low moods that last for several days, or notice a disruption in your sleeping or eating patterns that lasts for en extended period of time, seek help,” advises Wells. “Parkridge Valley has a 24-hour RESPOND hotline staffed by medical professionals who can give advice on treatment for your condition or refer you to a mental health provider who can perform a complete psychological evaluation.”

Seasonal affective disorder can be beat, according to Wells. “Gaining control over the symptoms of SAD will improve the overall quality of life, so it is important to seek treatment when needed.”

Parkridge Valley, a behavioral health facility of Parkridge Medical Center, has served the tri-state area for over 30 years, providing unparalleled expertise in treating a broad range of behavioral and chemical dependency problems for children and adolescents as well as adults. A community helpline, RESPOND, is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 423 499-2300 or 800 542-9600. The trained mental health professionals and psychiatric nurses on staff with RESPOND offer confidential assessment, consultation and referral of callers to appropriate services.

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