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What Causes SAD? SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus of the brain. Due to the shortening of the daytime hours and the lack of sunlight, SAD sufferers produce increased levels of the sleep hormone Melatonin. The severity of symptoms of SAD can vary drastically from person to person. Some people experience only mild discomfort (commonly called the winter blues) while others become completely debilitated. Symptoms · Development and reoccurrence of symptoms beginning between September and November and lasting until March or April · Sleep problems including increased fatigue, difficulty staying awake, and unrefreshing sleep · Lethargy · Carbohydrate cravings, sometimes with associated weight gain · Decreased libido · Anxiety · Aversion to social contact · Depression · Mood changes Treatments · Light Therapy: Many people with SAD find relief from light therapy alone. While going out in the sun might help those with the winter blues, a high-intensity light box designed specifically to treat SAD is usually required. These boxes contain bulbs that are at least ten times more intense than ordinary lights. Light therapy should be done on a daily basis from the time the first symptoms appear until the time they abate. Consult with your doctor about the proper intensity and shop around online to find the appropriate light box for you. · Antidepressants: Although many types of antidepressants have proven useless in treating SAD, non-sedative SSRIs have been effective. Antidepressants should be used in conjunction with light therapy because, while they help treat the depressive symptoms, they do not address the increase in melatonin. · Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is useful when combined with either or both light therapy and antidepressants because it can help the sufferer to cope with their illness. · Exposure to Natural Sunlight: On sunny days, try to get outside and soak in some rays. The more exposure SAD sufferers can get to direct sunlight, the better. What to Do If You Suspect You Have SAD Contact your primary care physician to discuss treatment options. Research has shown light therapy treatment to be effective within three to four days so the sooner you address your symptoms, the sooner you can start getting some relief! By Lauren Bedrosian What Causes SAD? SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus of the brain. Due to the shortening of the daytime hours and the lack of sunlight, SAD sufferers produce increased levels of the sleep hormone Melatonin. The severity of symptoms of SAD can vary drastically from person to person. Some people experience only mild discomfort (commonly called the winter blues) while others become completely debilitated. Symptoms · Development and reoccurrence of symptoms beginning between September and November and lasting until March or April · Sleep problems including increased fatigue, difficulty staying awake, and unrefreshing sleep · Lethargy · Carbohydrate cravings, sometimes with associated weight gain · Decreased libido · Anxiety · Aversion to social contact · Depression · Mood changes Treatments · Light Therapy: Many people with SAD find relief from light therapy alone. While going out in the sun might help those with the winter blues, a high-intensity light box designed specifically to treat SAD is usually required. These boxes contain bulbs that are at least ten times more intense than ordinary lights. Light therapy should be done on a daily basis from the time the first symptoms appear until the time they abate. Consult with your doctor about the proper intensity and shop around online to find the appropriate light box for you. · Antidepressants: Although many types of antidepressants have proven useless in treating SAD, non-sedative SSRIs have been effective. Antidepressants should be used in conjunction with light therapy because, while they help treat the depressive symptoms, they do not address the increase in melatonin. · Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is useful when combined with either or both light therapy and antidepressants because it can help the sufferer to cope with their illness. · Exposure to Natural Sunlight: On sunny days, try to get outside and soak in some rays. The more exposure SAD sufferers can get to direct sunlight, the better. What to Do If You Suspect You Have SAD Contact your primary care physician to discuss treatment options. Research has shown light therapy treatment to be effective within three to four days so the sooner you address your symptoms, the sooner you can start getting some relief!
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