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| February 5 | |
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Seasonal Affective Disorder |
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Winter depression is more common the farther north we live. You may also have heard it called seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as SAD. We don’t know exactly what causes SAD, but it’s probably related to a lack of sunlight, which can cause biochemical changes in some people. Those changes can lead to symptoms of sadness and hopelessness, fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty with concentration. The symptoms tend to improve as the days grow longer and usually disappear in the summer, only to return again in late fall. SAD is usually treated by a special kind of light therapy that is used for a certain length of time each day. Now research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry has shown that timing of the therapy can increase its success. Researchers found that 30 minutes of intense light early in the morning could be twice as effective as using the light later in the morning or in the evening. The theory is that light travels to the retina, which then sends a message to the part of the brain, which resets the biological clock. That biological clock is responsible for the release of melatonin, a hormone that adjusts our brain and body to adapt to winter. So, the light therapy given early in the morning essentially reprograms the release of melatonin. If you think you may suffer from SAD, talk with your doctor before starting any therapy. That’s important because a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and make sure there isn’t another cause for your symptoms. If it’s appropriate, the doctor will prescribe the right kind of light and dosage that will work best for you. |
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Reference and Resources:
Archives of General Psychiatry. 2001; 58:69-75
Depression is a Treatable Illness
Seasonal Affective Disorder |
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