Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, often known as Seasonal Depression, is classified as a kind of depression recognized as Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
This type of disorder is more common during the winter when there are fewer daylight hours and less sunlight. This is why people who live in the Northern Hemisphere and farther from the equator are more likely to experience it. The lesser the exposure to sunlight, the higher the possibility. Many people refer to it as the winter blues, but it's more than that.
People with the illness experience mood swings and other symptoms that are similar to depression due to an imbalance in the biochemical composition of the brain that makes us joyful.
The groups of people who are more at risk are women who live far from the equator, are young and may have a family history of depression. About 5% of adults in the United States and about 2 to 6% of adults in Canada suffer from this condition.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
This disorder can be challenging to diagnose as its symptoms bear a resemblance to those of depression, and it can occur simultaneously with bipolar disorder and alcoholism.
● Tiredness, fatigue or lethargy
● Sadness, irritability and frequent crying spells
● Lack of interest in communal or fun activities
● Changes in eating pattern and excessive eating
● Craving of carbohydrates and sugar
● Weight gain
● Social withdrawal
● Sluggishness and slowed speech
● Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
● Hopelessness, worthlessness and feelings of guilt
● Suicidal thoughts
Treatments
Light Therapy
Light therapy, also known as Phototherapy, is recommended to replace the reduced light that triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder. Artificial light should be introduced via a light box that provides exposure to 10,000 lux of fluorescent light. From the fall through the beginning of spring, patients will be obliged to sit for 20-60 minutes each morning next to this box. With supervision from a health professional, the patient should not look directly into the light as this may lead to eye strain, headache and irritability.
Medication
Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder may have low Vitamin D levels, and those at risk of developing the disorder, particularly those who reside far from the equator, are unable to synthesize the vitamin. Vitamin D supplements used before winter comes in have been shown to ease symptoms in some individuals, while those with more severe cases are recommended to take antidepressants under the supervision of a physician.
Counselling and Self-Help Programs
When patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder see and talk to a therapist, they are able to cope with their symptoms. Counselling can help them cope with feelings of worthlessness and social disengagement, and they can also get the aid they need to prepare for the coming winter by travelling to cities with more sunlight exposure.
Patients can also help themselves by eating better, spending more time outside, exercising, and managing stress.
