Is it the winter blues or something more?
Seasonal changes in mood and behavior may be linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain triggered by a lack of sunlight exposure.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition involving symptoms of clinical depression that begin during the fall and winter months and typically last until spring.
“I prefer winter and fall, when you can feel the bone structure in the landscape- the loneliness of it- the dead of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show.”
-Andrew Wyeth, American Painter
Do the shorter days of the winter season lead you to feel more sluggish and less energetic and creative? Do your cravings for foods high in carbohydrates peak during the colder months?
If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, you may be experiencing some common seasonal changes in your mood and behavior. Referred to as the winter blues, many of us experience these minor seasonal changes in mood and behavior during the winter season when the days are shorter with less exposure to sunlight.
In a mild form, the winter blues do not interfere significantly with our usual activities. And fortunately, the winter blues usually go away as springtime approaches.
For some, however, seasonal changes in mood and behavior are much more than the winter blues. Possibly linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain triggered by a lack of sunlight exposure, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition involving symptoms of clinical depression that begin during the fall and winter months and typically last until spring.
The difference between seasonal and non-seasonal depression may be the trigger: seasonal depression is likely triggered by lack of exposure to sunlight and non-seasonal depression is not.
Symptoms of SAD can involve fatigue; social withdrawal; a lack of interest in usual activities; cravings for food high in carbohydrates; and weight gain. The symptoms of SAD may come about gradually or all at once. Not surprisingly, SAD is more prevalent in northern climates. Women tend to be more likely to develop SAD than men; and young adults are at a greater risk for developing SAD than other age groups.
Other medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction may share some symptoms associated with SAD. For this reason and others, it is wise to consult with a medical professional if you are wondering about whether you or a loved one may be suffering from SAD. Medical evaluation can rule out other conditions that may resemble SAD. Once a diagnosis is made, there are several treatment options for SAD that have been shown effective:
• Light Therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for SAD. This form of therapy involves varying amounts of exposure to light through a light therapy box with ultraviolet rays filtered out. Morning time is the most recommended time of day for exposure to a light therapy box and exposure can occur while engaged in a sedentary task. It is important to consult your physician before beginning light therapy. Certain autoimmune disorders, medications and other conditions may increase sensitivity to light. Light therapy may not be recommended when one of these conditions exist.
• Anti-depressant medication has also been shown to be an effective treatment intervention for SAD. Some studies have shown that certain anti-depressant medication may work to prevent an episode of SAD from occurring in its most marked form. Psychiatrists and primary care physicians can discuss the benefits and risks associated with anti-depressant medication including the side effects.
• Psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for SAD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the ways our thinking patterns influence our mood and behavior. Improvement in SAD symptoms can result from making adjustments in our thinking patterns. Psychotherapy can be the treatment of choice or it may be combined with light therapy and/or medication to provide added support.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a manageable condition in most cases, despite the presence of a clinical depression. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder may help more individuals participate in and enjoy the beauty of all four seasons.
For further information about SAD please find: Rosenthal, N. E. (2006). Winter Blues: Everything you need to know to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
You can also set up an appointment with one of our Psychiatrists at Washington Health System Behavioral Health – (724) 579-1075.