Seasonal affective disorder brings on mood change

By Kermit Klaerner

          This week’s article is an edited rerun of “Mental Health Matters” published in the Abilene Reporter-News on January 14^th of this year.  Information was originally supplied by Myrl Case, Clinical Director at River Crest Hospital.  With cold weather right around the corner, the information is timely.

          Winter brings its own kind of beauty and excitement.  However, for many the changing of the season brings a change in mood that is not always understood. Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by mental depression related to a certain season of the year—especially winter.  SAD is a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-IV (The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual). 

          Onset usually occurs during adulthood, and it is four times more likely to happen to women than men.  Symptoms of winter SAD usually begin in October or November and subside in April.  Depression is usually mild to moderate, but can be severe.  According to NAMI (a national mental health organization), approximately 11 million people are diagnosed with this disorder.  Symptoms include: 1) daytime drowsiness or increased need for sleep; 2) fatigue or low energy level, 3) diminished concentration, 4) difficulty thinking clearly, 5) tendency to crave carbohydrates (especially sweets), and 6) weight gain. 

          Decreased sunlight is thought to be part of the cause of SAD.  One treatment for SAD is exposure to bright light, especially in the mornings.  Time in bright surroundings is believed to be helpful, even on an overcast day.  Special lights are sometimes used.  Anti-depressants may be prescribed, especially ones that do not have sedative effects.  If normal functioning is impaired, a physician should be consulted.

          It is notable that the Thanksgiving to New Year holiday season occurs during the time of year when there are fewest numbers of hours of daylight.  Frequently, one hears the term “Holiday Blues.”  Persons with SAD may experience more intense Holiday Blues than normal; however, they are not the same thing as SAD.  Holiday Blues may bring feelings that are intense and unsettling, but they usually are more short-lived and can be traced to factors that include increased stress fatigue, unrealistic expectations, the inability to be with family or loved ones, memories of past holiday celebrations, or over-commercialization.

          Symptoms of the blues may include headaches, sleep disturbance, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, agitation or anxiety, inappropriate feelings of guilt, decreased ability to think clearly, and decreased interest in activities that are normally pleasurable.

          Both depression and SAD, when left untreated, can become a serious and life-threatening disorder.  Anyone having suicidal thoughts should seek immediate care, either through a private doctor or through the nearest emergency care facility.

          If you’re suffering from SAD or any form of depression, you need to turn on the lights, go outdoors even if you don’t want to, get in touch with friends (or call the crisis line @ 677-7773), place flowers or live plants in your home, and get professional help, if the problem continues for an extended period of time.