The effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Weather often affects people’s mood and frame of mind. While some people may revel in winter’s chills, some might notice tiredness, a bit of weight gain, difficulty getting out of bed and bouts of’ ‘the blues’ as summer turns into autumn.

‘Some of us are vulnerable to a type of depression that follows seasonal patterns. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD) explains Tamsyn Manuel, clinical psychologist at Akeso Clinic Kenilworth.

‘SAD, a form of depression that occurs at the same time each year, is intimately related to changes in seasons,’ she says.

The symptoms may start in autumn and continue into the winter months.

SAD occurs less often in spring or early summer.


Winter

Symptoms specific to the winter onset of SAD include the following:

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Isolation

• Hypersensitivity to rejection

• Heavy, ‘leaden’ feeling in the arms or legs

• Oversleeping

• Appetite changes (foods high in carbohydrates)

• Weight gain


Summer

Symptoms specific to summer onset SAD include the following:

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Weight loss

• Poor appetite

• Agitation or anxiety

Prevalence

Studies suggest that between 2-3 % of the general population may have SAD, while another 15% many have a less severe experience known as ‘winter blues’.

‘Some people do suffer from SAD in South Africa, but it really is a condition that is more common in colder and darker climates. It more commonly occurs in Nordic countries and countries such as Ireland and the United States,’ says Manuel.

‘SAD is more common in women, young people and those who live far away from the equator.’

Some people experience symptoms severe enough to affect quality of life and 6% require hospitalisation.

Cause

According to her, the exact causes of SAD are unknown.

‘Some researchers believe that in instances of SAD, the depression is somehow triggered by the brain’s response to decreased daylight exposure.

‘Current theories about the cause of SAD focus on the role that sunlight might play in the brain’s production of key chemicals.

Some of the factors that come into play include your circadian rhythm, serotonin levels and melatonin levels.’

Treatment

Manuel stresses that a diagnosis of SAD can be made after a careful evaluation by a doctor or mental health professional. A medical check-up is important to make sure that symptoms aren’t due to a medical condition.

Once you have been diagnosed with SAD, doctors may recommend one of several treatments:

• Psychotherapy: The support and guidance of a psychologist can be helpful for someone experiencing SAD.

• Increased light exposure: For people with mild symptoms, it may be enough to spend more time outside during the daylight hours or adjust lighting in their environment.

• Phototherapy: A special light box or panel is placed on a table top or desk, and the person sits in front of the light for a short period of time every day.

• Medication: Sometime people with severe symptoms may benefit from medication. Your mental health practitioners might be the best person to recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. Medication should be taken in conjunction with treatment from and visits to your therapist.

• Mind-body therapies like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and guided imagery.

Tips to counter SAD

• Following recommended treatment.

• Get plenty of exercise, especially outdoors.

• Be patient. Don’t expect your symptoms to go away immediately.

• Develop a good sleep routine.

• Eat right (increasing vegetables and healthier foods).

• Make your environment sunnier and brighter.

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