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Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross is a licensed psychotherapist with almost twenty years of clinical experience in the fields of clinical psychology and organizational management. She has worked extensively with a wide variety of…
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Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Treatments
Darkness sets in earlier these days and as winter approaches, people hunker down at home in warmer clothes or beside the fire. These images conjure up the warmth of the Holidays, but for many this season signifies the winter blues or what therapists refer to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some common signs of SAD are:
If you notice these symptoms in yourself then it is likely that you may suffer from SAD. Talk therapy and light therapy may be helpful in dealing with the symptoms. It is believed that one of the causes of SAD is the lack of exposure to outdoor light during the fall and winter months. The light has been shown to actually affect hormones such as melatonin and levels of vitamin D present in the body. These are things that alter behavior and mood.
New research has shown that blue light (in contrast to the yellow white light that we are typically exposed to indoors) may prove an effective treatment. The results from a recent study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science have determined that blue light may be instrumental in assisting the brain to process emotions. It may actually be that spending more time under these blue lights could alleviate symptoms of SAD and become the most effective treatment. These studies are preliminary but the early results are very promising.
- Cyndi
1) General Sadness which, if it occurs every day for at least 2 weeks, is a sign of depression. If it occurs for that duration but only during certain times of the year it is likely to be SAD.
2) Anger and irritability which are a natural result of feeling down.
3) Increase in appetite.
4) Craving complex carbohydrates such as pasta or bread – often referred to as comfort foods. This can lead to weight gain which is also a marker for SAD.
5) Inability to concentrate or focus.
6) Drowsiness or fatigue which doesn’t necessarily result in sleep but instead insomnia.
7) Decrease in libido and general loss of interest in sex. Interestingly this only applies to SAD if it occurs in the fall and winter months. When SAD is present in the spring and summer it may actually cause an increased sex drive.
If you notice these symptoms in yourself then it is likely that you may suffer from SAD. Talk therapy and light therapy may be helpful in dealing with the symptoms. It is believed that one of the causes of SAD is the lack of exposure to outdoor light during the fall and winter months. The light has been shown to actually affect hormones such as melatonin and levels of vitamin D present in the body. These are things that alter behavior and mood.
New research has shown that blue light (in contrast to the yellow white light that we are typically exposed to indoors) may prove an effective treatment. The results from a recent study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science have determined that blue light may be instrumental in assisting the brain to process emotions. It may actually be that spending more time under these blue lights could alleviate symptoms of SAD and become the most effective treatment. These studies are preliminary but the early results are very promising.
- Cyndi
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I think I have most of those symptoms, again, the same as many previous years. A light was recommended years ago, I have forgotten the details as to sources to purchase this light. It may do may some good. Changes in course of MS, worsening more rapidly after about 25 years, came upon me way fast. It is hard coping with SAD on top of it. Any ideas where to order a light from?
By Pliny Jan 11, 2011
4
what to do, most people dont under, i cant tell one min from the next what iam doin cryin or sleepin,,, i need help i pray and pray but no help....i wish i could die maybe thats the answer just need the balls,,,,,,,,god help me!!!!
By cc1469 Dec 27, 2010
3
Shortest day of the year today. The sun was just rising at 8:30 am and down by 4pm. It makes it very hard. And the weather is only getting colder. At least we got some sun instead of cold. I never had this when I lived near the American border. I wonder whether it is the light, or also the cold, the snow, and the knowledge that winter is just staring, and at least another 4 months? Maybe cabin fever combined with SAD?
By Angela53510 Dec 21, 2010
2
I believe I suffer from SAD. I am always more depressed in the fall and winter months than in the spring and summer. I take something daily for anxiety attacks, but not for depression. I am on so many meds as it is, I am trying to do without. I do however see a therapist once a week and this helps.The last week or so, I have been crying off and on and I know that it will continue for quite a few more months, until the weather changes again. I just do the best I can to deal with it.
By JeanCarlin Dec 21, 2010
1
I've had SAD for years on top of MS. As my eyesight declines(low vision) further with the MS, I get a bit more frightened over losing daylight hours towards earlier evenings. I see best in natural sunlight, like in AZ here, but winter is hardest on me, and on my eyesight, daylight hours outside which I thrive in during the warm/hot months. Taking larger doses of VitaminA+D used to perk up my eyesight some, but doesn't work anymore.
By Pliny Dec 21, 2010
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