You have probably heard about the “winter blues.” The “winter blues” may actually be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Picture from: https://www.chicagoathleticclubs.com
SAD is a form of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Most often SAD begins in the fall and continues through winter, but it can also occur in the spring and early summer. SAD generally starts out mild and becomes more severe as the seasons progresses.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
The symptoms of fall and winter SAD include:
- low energy and tired feeling
- low mood
- irritability and/or difficulty getting along with others
- little to no interest in activities
- over sleeping
- increased appetite/weight gain
- difficulty concentrating
The symptoms of spring and summer SAD include:
- low mood
- trouble sleeping
- poor appetite/weight loss
- agitation
- anxiety
What causes SAD?
It is unknown what actually causes SAD, but there are some biological factors that appear to play a role. These include:
- the reduced levels of sunlight in the fall and winter disrupt the body’s internal (biological) clock
- the reduced levels of sunlight causes a drop in serotonin (a chemical in the brain that affects mood)
- melatonin (a chemical in the brain that affects sleep patterns) follows a seasonal pattern
What are some risk factors for SAD?
- female gender
- younger people have a higher risk of winter SAD
- family history of SAD
- having depression or bipolar disorder
- living far from the equator (due to decreased sunlight during the winter and longer days during the summer months)
What are the treatments for SAD?
Light therapy is an effective treatment that uses bright light (brighter than average lamps or light fixtures) to mimic natural light. It is recommended to use 10,000 lux light for 30 to 120 minutes in the early morning (timing of the day may be adjusted after speaking to a health care provider).
Please note that prior to starting light therapy you should check with your pharmacist to ensure you’re not taking any medications that cause a sensitivity to light and your ophthalmologist if you have any eye conditions.
Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help one develop skills to cope with SAD
Antidepressant medications can help, particularly if the symptoms are severe.
If you have any questions about SAD please contact one of our pharmacists today.
