Some people might suffer from seasonal depression as the days get shorter and there is scarce sunlight during winter months. People who suffer from seasonal affective disorder or "SAD" go though a much more dramatic experience, which is often difficult to overcome without help. People with SAD tend to sleep a lot, overeat and consequently gain weight during fall or winter. They can feel extremely tired and are unable to maintain a regular schedule. Some feel depressed and irritable, and even lose interest in social interactions. SAD is caused by a disturbance in the sleep-wake-cycle due to a decrease in sunlight during the winter. Less sunlight leads to low levels of the hormone melatonin, which causes the excess sleep and tiredness characteristic of SAD. When the spring returns, the symptoms tend to go away. Researchers from the Harvard Medical School found that SAD is a real disorder that needs diagnosis and often treatment. Although the illness is usually not associated with severe morbidity and hospitalisation, some people can get suicidal. If that happens, they should consult a health care professional immediately. Most of the time SAD is very mild and self-limiting, but in some situations, an evaluation is needed. Certain disorders such as hypothyroidism (abnormally low thyroid activity) or mononucleosis, a viral infection commonly known as “kissing disease”, can mimic the symptoms of SAD. Since these could be mistaken for SAD, it is important to get a medical evaluation. The treatment for SAD depends upon the severity of the symptoms, and can be as simple as getting more sunlight or spending more time closer to a window during the dark months. But if the symptoms become more severe, light therapy (exposure to bright artificial light) might be required. If even more severe cases, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication might be required.
Reuters Health,
December 2005