Winter Depression: Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter depression

There has been a prevalence of sadness, loss and general lethargy accompanying the period of winter throughout the centuries. This has given rise to winter festivals associated with lights and candles. It is true that many of us have noticed tiredness, a bit of weight gain, difficulty getting out of bed and bouts of "the blues" as fall turns to winter.

Animals react to the changing seasons with changes in mood and behavior and human beings are no exception. However some people experience an exaggerated form of these symptoms which can be severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. Work and relationships suffer. This condition, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which leads to winter depression affect over 10 million Americans while the milder, "Winter Blues" may affect a larger number of individuals.

The typical symptoms are Sleep problems, over eating, guilt, anxiety, lethargy, physical symptoms like joint pain, stomach disorders, behavioral problems etc lack of energy etc. they usually manifest during the autumn and peak during the winter season. About 70-80% of those with SAD are women. The most common age of onset is in one's thirties, but cases of childhood SAD have been reported and successfully treated.

Symptoms in most cases are mild, and if so no treatment procedures may be necessary. However if they are of sufficient severity it would need medical help. Anti depressant medicines like lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants etc are used. However, a studied combination of drugs along with psychological therapy is often found to be more effective.

This condition has now been found to be effectively countered using a process known as bright light therapy. Bright light therapy consists of the patient having a special lamp or light box at home that provides a very strong source of light. The person is exposed to the light source for a number of hours each day. Beneficial effect appears to be due to the light.

The theory is that an area of the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, responds to light by sending out a signal to suppress the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. It is difficult, however, to be sure that the benefit is not a temporary since there is little evidence for an alteration in the level of melatonin as a result of this treatment.

Also read our article about Attacking Depression