Seasonal affective disorder

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Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of mood disorder or depression directly affected by the seasons. Sufferers of SAD find that their emotional state is quite normal during the summer months, but as the days grow shorter, colder and greyer during the autumn and winter, their moods seem to match the seasons. The seriousness of SAD can range from the mild ennui of dysthymia to a serious attack of clinical depression, which can require hospitalization.

Winter depression (or winter blues) is a common slump in the mood of Scandinavians. Doctors estimate that about 20% of all Swedes are affected, and it seems to be hereditary. It was first described by the 6th century Goth scholar Jordanes in his Getica where he described the inhabitants of Scandza (Scandinavia).

Shakespeare may have been describing it or just the "winter blues" in the famous quote, "Now is the winter of our discontent."¹

Various etiologies have been suggested.² One possibility is that SAD is related to a lack of serotonin and that exposure to full-spectrum artificial light may improve the condition by stimulating serotonin production although this has been disputed.^{3, 4} Another theory is that melatonin produced in the pineal gland is the primary cause.^{5, 6} There are direct connections between the retina and the pineal gland however some studies show that melatonin levels do not appear to differ between those with and without SAD. Light therapy appears to be effective in treating SAD, but the exact mechanism of the effect is still unknown.

Full Spectrum bulbs and "sunlight lamps" can be purchased as specialty lighting products for those suffering from SAD.

One recent trial seemed to indicate that shining a bright light behind the sufferers' knees would be beneficial, but when the trial was duplicated on a larger scale, the results were negative.

Medication is a more recent treatment and selective serontonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) have proven effective in treating SAD. Examples of these antidepressants are fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil)⁷.

References

¹ Shakespeare, W. Life and death of King Richard III (Act I, Scene i)

² Seasonal affective disorder: autumn onset, winter gloom - board review

³ Johansson C, et al, (2001), Seasonal affective disorder and serotonin-related polymorphisms. Neurobiol Dis. 2001 Apr;8(2):351-7.

⁴ Johansson C, et al. (2003), The serotonin transporter promoter repeat length polymorphism, seasonal affective disorder and seasonality. Psychol Med. Jul;33(5):785-92.

⁵ The Merck manual

⁶ National mental health association article

⁷ SAD Information from the WSC Counseling Center

Seasonal affective disorder

References

External links