Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the long sunny days begin to shorten and the prospect of the coming winter looms large, Vania de Souza can feel her mood begin to change.

"As soon as November rolled around and the sun began to set earlier in the evening, I noticed that I was much more tired and started to feel sad", says Vania. "I found it very hard to get out of bed some mornings."

Vania is one of an estimated 600-thousand Canadians who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It seems to affect more women than men. Nobody knows for sure what causes it, but it is closely linked to our internal clock and changes in our brain chemistry that occur with the lack of sunlight. The disorder is also known as "winter depression" but it can strike anytime from September to April.

How can I tell if I suffer from SAD?

Many people feel like "hibernating" as winter approaches. They find themselves eating more and sleeping longer. This is normal human behaviour. But for people with SAD the symptoms are much more severe. SAD is a true depressive illness and can disrupt a person's daily life. Vania found she was missing work and staying away from social events. "I was just too tired", she recalls.

Symptoms of SAD

  • Sleep problems - Oversleeping but not refreshed. Drowsy during the day.
  • Fatigue - Too tired to cope. Everything is an effort. Irritable. Can't concentrate.
  • Depression - Hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, despair.
  • Overeating - Craving carbohydrates. Weight gain.
  • Loss of libido - Decreased sexual desire.
  • Physical problems - Stomach problems, joint pain

    What treatment is available?

    It is important to seek medical treatment if your symptoms have occurred at a certain time of the year for at least two consecutive years. Research has shown that an effective first line treatment for SAD is light therapy. Daily scheduled exposure to bright, artificial light is effective in 60% to 70% of cases. A fluorescent light box with a light intensity of 10,000 lux is the standard treatment. People who spend 30 minutes in front of the box, preferably early in the morning, will maximize their response to treatment. Vania de Souza saw an immediate improvement after her doctor recommended light therapy. "It took just 4 days and I felt great." Improvement generally occurs within two weeks. For SAD patients with more severe depression, or those who find light therapy inconvenient, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications.

    Coping with SAD

  • Increase your exposure to light. Keep your house bright. Sit near a window. Soak up as much sunshine as possible.
  • Take a winter vacation if you can afford it.
  • Exercise, preferably outdoors.
  • Eat well. Stay away from starchy and fatty foods and sweets.
  • Reduce your stress.

    Resources:

    Mood Disorders Association of Metro Toronto

    University of British Columbia SAD Info Page

    Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments

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