Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A Quick Glance
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during only the winter months, with symptoms subsiding in spring and summer. This may be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light. For some individuals, SAD can be a disabling illness, hindering their usual routines.
Though noted before 1845, SAD was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons and patterns in sunlight change, there is a shift in a person’s “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm. This shift can cause biological clocks to become out of “step” with daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February.
How common is SAD?
As many as 10 million Americans may have SAD, while another 25 million may experience mild SAD often referred to as “the winter blues” or “the winter blahs.” SAD is more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers may experience SAD, it usually does not in those under 20 years of age. For adults, the risk of SAD decreases as they age. SAD is more common in northern geographic regions.
What are the possible causes of SAD?
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker, the production of this hormone increases.
This information was culled from Mental Health America, the American Academy of Family Psychians (www.familydoctor.org) and the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (www.sada.org.uk).
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