Who gets SAD? In the U.S., approximately 5% of the population meets the diagnostic criteria for this disorder, although up to 20% of people develop some of the symptoms. The risk of developing SAD increases with aging and affects women more commonly than men. Those living in the more northerly latitudes with longer, colder winters are also at greater risk.
What are the symptoms of SAD? Symptoms of depression, such as sadness, feeling "empty", and loss of energy are most typical of SAD. Other SAD symptoms include:
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities that had previously been enjoyable
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Overeating and weight gain
- Trouble with concentration or memory
- Withdrawal from social situations
- In severe instances, SAD can be associated with thoughts of suicide.
How is SAD diagnosed? With the overlap of symptoms of SAD and certain medical disorders, such as hypothyroidism or viral infections, a medical evaluation is recommended for those who develop features of SAD. There is no specific test for SAD but the doctor may want to perform a physical exam and blood tests to rule out possible medical disorders. When the following are present: 1) seasonal symptoms of depression for at least two consecutive years, 2) periods of depression followed by improvement when the season changed, and 3) no other life events or circumstances can be found to explain the mood changes, the diagnosis can be made on history alone.
Is there a treatment for SAD? The most common treatments for SAD are light therapy, anti-depressant medications, and psychotherapy.
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Light therapy, also called phototherapy, is an effective treatment for many people with SAD. Phototherapy involves the use of a light box containing special fluorescent lights with a color spectrum similar to outdoor light. Sitting in front of this artificial light source for approximately 30 minutes each day is usually adequate to modify chemicals in the brain that are responsible for the development of SAD. This is usually done in the early morning, to mimic sunrise. Studies have shown that between 50% and 80% of users improve markedly with this type of treatment. It is important, however, that treatment is continued throughout the difficult season. Another type of light therapy involves a light placed in the bedroom that gradually increases in brightness to simulate a natural sunrise. Side effects of light therapy are uncommon with irritability, eyestrain, headaches, and nausea being reported most commonly.
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Antidepressant medications are also effective for treating SAD and can be used along with light therapy. The most commonly used anti-depressants are in serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor family (SSRI) family, which includes fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
- Psychotherapy is another option for treating SAD, particularly if light therapy and/or medications have not helped. Psychotherapy appears to help by addressing negative thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to the depression rather than changing brain chemistry.
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