NAMI Iowa

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Approximately 6 percent or 10 million Americans are estimated to suffer from SAD.

SAD is equally prevalent among ethnic groups. Persons diagnosed with SAD typically have a family history of Depression or SAD.

SAD is a cyclical illness, characterized by depressed periods in fall and winter beginning in October/ November and subsiding in March/April, which alternate with less depressed, non-depressed or even elevated moods in spring and summer.

About 60 to 90 percent of persons who report symptoms of SAD are women ages 20-40. Four times as many women than men suffer from SAD.

Most children affected by SAD have a parent or a first degree relative with SAD or another psychiatric condition.

Seasonal factors such as allergies, psychosocial stressors (holiday depression), and work-related stressors must be ruled out before SAD can be diagnosed.

Symptoms

Adults	Children:
Decreased energy in the fall and winter Tiredness and fatigue Appetite changes (usually increased appetite) Weight gain Carbohydrate craving Difficulty concentrating and getting tasks accomplished Sadness or anxiety Withdrawal from family and friends (carbohydrate craving)	Anxiety, school avoidance Change in school performance Tiredness and fatigue Irritability Temper tantrums Vague physical complaints Increased craving for junk food

Causes

Researchers have targeted specific hormones and neurotransmitters that vary with daily as well as seasonal patterns of sunlight.
SAD is caused by a response to changes in environmental light. It also may be triggered by a stressful event or stressful environment.

Treatments

Consult your physician or a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Light therapy is a common form of treatment for SAD patients which usually involves exposing patients to levels of artificial light 5 to 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lighting. Studies show that anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours of light therapy in the morning, per day, relieves symptoms within days to 2 weeks in about 75 percent of SAD sufferers.
Light entering via the eye is thought to modify brain chemistry and physiology to correct the abnormalities resulting from light deficiency in vulnerable individuals.
Alterations in lifestyles include the following: indoor lighting environment, exposure to natural sun light, winter vacations, stress management, exercise, and dietary approaches are helpful in relieving the symptoms of SAD.
Medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both are also helpful in relieving the symptoms of SAD. These forms of treatment are sometimes used as a supplement to light therapy as well.

Side Effects of Light Therapy

Irritability
Hypermanic symptoms
Headaches
Fatigue
Insomnia
Dry nasal passages/sinuses
Dry eyes
Sunburn-type reactions
Eye strain

Typically, persons receiving light therapy do not experience all of these side effects. Long-term adverse effects have not been reported yet.

Suggested Readings

Do You Have a Depressive Illness? by Klein, Donald & Wender, M.D., Paul

Goodbye, Blues by Green, Bernard

Overcoming Depression by Papolos, Dimitri & Janice

The Good News About Depression by Gold, M.D., Mark

Understanding Depression by Klein, Donald & Wender, M.D., Paul

You Mean I Don’t Have to Feel This Way? by Dowling, Colette

If you or someone you know would like more information on mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:

NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com