seasonal adjustment disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a yearly depression that tends to occur at a particular season. It is commonly experienced during the winter months, however, people may also have it during summer or spring.
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Reduced energy levels
- Sleeping too much
- Not socializing
- Change in eating habits with cravings for starchy and sweet food items
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Change in eating habits with cravings for carbohydrates
- Tearfulness
- Lack of energy
- Lack of motivation
- Weight gain, due to sleeping and overeating
- Sleeping too much
- Feeling hopeless
- Lack of enjoyment
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of concentration
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Poor eating habits
- Increased/decreased sex drive
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Rapid thoughts and speech
- Elevated mood
- Agitation
- Increased socializing
- Being hyperactive
- Uncontrolled enthusiasm
- Circadian Rhythm: The circadian rhythm can also be referred to as our body's internal clock. Studies show that the effect of reduced sunlight―which is common in the winter season―disrupts our biological clock, which leads to depression and mood swings.
- Serotonin Levels: Reduction in sunlight triggers reduction in the serotonin levels, causing lethargy and depression.
- Melatonin Levels: Melatonin levels have strong effect on our moods and sleeping pattern. This hormone is secreted by the pineal gland which is directly connected to the retina. Darkness increases the production of melatonin, and may lead to moody behavior and oversleeping.
- The patient must have experienced depression along with other SAD symptoms for a minimum of 2 consecutive years, during the same season in both years.
- The time period or the season when the patient goes through depression, must be followed by periods when the patient is not depressed. Meaning, as soon as the season changes, the depression should also go.
- Apart from the seasonal changes, there should be no other reason for the person to experience the aforementioned symptoms.
- Light Therapy: As you might have noticed in the section above, lack of light affects the production of many hormones in the body, such as melatonin and serotonin. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, consists of a technique wherein there is a specialized light box with bright white light. The patient is exposed to this for 30 to 60 minutes. However, studies show that exposing the patient to green light is much more helpful than white light. This therapy also has some side effects, so you must consult your health care specialist before going ahead.
- Psychotherapy: It helps in identifying the negative moods and thoughts that SAD leads to. Psychotherapy also helps the patient cope with the seasonal changes in a healthy manner.
- Negative Air Ionization Therapy: It is used with light therapy to help supplement the thin winter ion supply and mimic summer-like conditions.
- Medications: These include antidepressants such as Bupropion, Paroxetine, Zoloft, and Prozac. However, it is strictly advised to consult with your health care specialist before going further with the medications and therapies.