OAK LEAVES FAMILY SERVICE
COLUMN - JANUARY, 1999
It seems like every year at this time a big
black cloud descends over me that I just can't shake. Someone told me that
my depression may have something to do with the lack of sunlight caused
by short winter days. Can this be true?
Clinical studies have shown that decreased sunlight does cause mood disorders
in some people. People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience
regular depression during the autumn and winter seasons.
SAD is believed to be caused by the lack of bright light during these seasons
which has an affect on the brain's chemistry. Lack of sunlight inhibits
the production of an important mood regulator called seratonin. When the
body doesn't release enough seratonin, depressive symptoms may occur. SAD
has also been linked to an overproduction of melatonin, a brain chemical
that regulates the body's sleep cycle. Too much melatonin disturbs a person's
"biological clock", adding to the depressive state.
SAD effects millions of people each year. It can strike young and old alike,
although it's most common among adults. Women are four times more likely
to be diagnosed with the disorder than men.
While SAD symptoms can range from mild ("winter blues") to severe, the disorder's
identifying characteristic is that depressive symptoms begin appearing during
the fall months and seem to disappear come May or June. The disorder often
peaks during the months of January and February.
People suffering from SAD show a range of symptoms including daytime drowsiness,
even though they may sleep more than normal. Fatigue, a low energy level,
diminished concentration, difficulty thinking clearly and a decreased sex
drive also are characteristics of SAD. SAD sufferers often also have an
increased appetite, especially for sweets and carbohydrates and often gain
weight.
"While many of us have these symptoms during the long, winter months, SAD
sufferers feel this way for days or weeks at a stretch," says Chun C. Tsai,
M.D. of Family Service & Mental Health Center of Oak Park & River Forest.
"These symptoms may indicate a diagnosis of SAD if they tend to reoccur
each winter and cannot be connected with other factors, such as annual winter
unemployment."
According to Tsai, SAD was first noted in medical literature more than 150
years ago, however, only in the last 20 years has there been research into
the causes and treatment of the disorder.
Research has shown that light therapy (phototherapy) is an effective treatment
for SAD. Approximately 60 to 80 percent of individuals with SAD improve
with exposure to 30 minutes of bright, artificial light each day. The therapy
requires the individual to sit a few feet away from a full-spectrum florescent
light, which is approximately 12 times brighter than average room light.
Phototherapy must be continued throughout the winter months, since individuals
may relapse after a few days when it is stopped. The only side effects are
occasional eyestrain and headaches.
The light therapy seems to trick the body into thinking it's not winter
anymore, increasing the body's production of seratonin while decreasing
the amount of melatonin produced.
Other treatments for SAD may include antidepressants and counseling.
Since SAD symptoms can masquerade as other types of depression, it's important
to be diagnosed and treated correctly.
Located at 120 S. Marion, Oak Park, Family Service & Mental Health Center
of Oak Park & River Forest is a not-for-profit social service and mental
health agency that provides counseling, psychiatric and prevention/education
programs to men, women, youth and families. To learn more about our programs
or to make an appointment, contact us at (708) 383-7500.
