Seasonal Affective Disorder - Report

Seasonal affective disorder Depression - winter; SAD Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) refers to episodes of depression that occur every year during fall or winter. Symptoms improve in spring and summer. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The disorder might start in teen years or early adulthood. Women are more likely than men to have this type of depression. "Winter blahs" or "cabin fever" don't happen to most people who have them. Living somewhere with long winter nights doesn't always make someone more likely to have SAD. Even though no one knows what causes SAD, it is thought to be linked to a number of things, such as • Ambient light • Body temperature • Hormone regulation A rare form occurs in the summer. Symptoms Symptoms usually build up gradually in the late autumn and winter months. • Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration • Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more typical of other forms of depression) • Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness (problems sleeping are more typical of other forms of depression) • Lack of energy and loss of interest in work or other activities • Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement • Social withdrawal • Unhappiness and irritability Signs and tests A visit to your health care provider will look for other causes of the symptoms and confirm the diagnosis. A psychological evaluation may be needed for more severe depression. Treatment Like other types of depression, this type can be helped by antidepressants and talk therapy. Getting exercise and going for long walks during the day can help ease the symptoms. Stay socially active, even if it takes some work. Light therapy with a special lamp that gives off 10,000 lux of very bright fluorescent light to look like the sun may also help. Every day, for about 30 minutes, sit a few feet away from the light box. It's best to do this early in the morning. If light therapy is going to help, the depressive symptoms should get better in three to four weeks. Some side effects are headaches and tired eyes. Light therapy should not be done by people who are on certain drugs for psoriasis, antibiotics, or antipsychotics that make them more sensitive to light. Before you start treatment, you should see your eye doctor for a checkup. Symptoms commonly get better on their own with the change of seasons. Expectations (prognosis) The outcome is good with continuous treatment, although some people have the disorder throughout their lives. Complications Seasonal affective disorder can sometimes progress to a major depressive syndrome. Calling your health care provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Prevention Individuals who have had recurrent seasonal depression should speak with a mental health care professional to explore treatments.