Wintertime Is Sad Time For Many People
Dear Dr. LeCrone:
My family is convinced that I have a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder.
I must admit to periods of gloomy, melancholy, and pessimistic thinking during the late fall and wintertime. I often sleep at least two more hours per day during the winter months and seem to have trouble waking up in the morning. I have to drag myself to my exercise class and often could stay at home and in bed all day long.
What are the symptoms of this problem and can I be helped?
-A reader in Michigan
Dear Reader:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that emerges as the days become shorter and winter approaches. According to reports from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10 million Americans have SAD and many more people experience a milder problem of “winter blues.”
Common symptoms of winter depression (SAD) include the following:
• Seasonal depression, which begins in fall and lifts in spring.
• Decreased interest in work or significant activities
• Weight gain and craving carbohydrates.
• Feeling and increased need for sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.
• A drop in energy level, especially in late afternoon and evening.
• Slow, sluggish movement and difficulty concentrating at times.
The incidence is higher in the northern latitudes and is more common in women than men. Some people experience a form of seasonal depression during the summer months, but this form of depression is seen less often than the winter form of depression.
The precise cause of seasonal affective disorder isn't known. Research suggests that SAD arises from abnormalities in how the body manages its internal (circadian) biological rhythms. The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt the circadian rhythm and sleep cycle in certain people, and this disruption of the natural body clock may cause depression.
Treatment doesn't cure seasonal depression, but it can help relieve symptoms. One promising form of treatment uses light therapy. Specialized light in various forms of delivery systems has found to be effective in treating SAD.
Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy are also helpful in some cases. An evaluation by a mental health professional is advised for diagnoses and treatment.
Another excellent resource for those desiring more information is Winter Blues - Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder by Norman E Rosenthal, M.D.
