Definition
Seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression,
is a mood disorder whose sufferers experience normal mental
health throughout most of the year, but experience
depressive symptoms in the winter. As stated by the U.S.
National Library of Medicine: "Some people experience a
serious mood change when seasons change. They may sleep too
much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy
foods. they may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be
severe, they usually clear up".
Seasonal mood
variations are believed to be related to light. One
possibility for the condition is that SAD is related to a
lack of serotonin. Another theory is that the cause may be
related to melatonin which is produced in dim light and
darkness by the pineal gland.
The most common
symptoms of SAD include extreme fatigue, oversleeping, not
being able to get out of bed, overeating, carbohydrate
cravings and weight gain. It can also be accompanied by
regular symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of
interest in activities and trouble concentrating.
To help
diagnose seasonal affective disorder, mental health
providers perform a thorough psychological evaluation. They
ask many questions about your mood, seasonal changes in your
thoughts and behavior, your lifestyle and social situation,
and sleeping and eating patterns, for example. You may also
fill out psychological questionnaires. And you may have a
physical exam to check for any other health problems that
may be causing or contributing to depression symptoms or
manic symptoms.
Winter
depression (or winter blues) is a common slump in the mood
of inhabitants of the Nordic countries. Doctors estimate
that about 20% of all inhabitants are affected, and it seems
to be genetically heritable.
In the
United States, a diagnosis of seasonal affective
disorder was first proposed by Norma E. Rosenthal, MD in
1984. Rosenthal wondered why he became sluggish during the
winter after moving from sunny South Africa to New York. He
started experimenting increasing exposure to artificial
light and found this made a difference. In Alaska it has
been established that there is a SAD rate of 8.9%.
Around one
Irish person in five is affected by SAD, according to a
survey conducted in 2007.
