For some people, there is a certain time of the year that takes a toll on their health – the months of fall and winter where daylight hours are shorter and thick clouds often cover the sun.
These factors, along with several other biological factors, have an adverse affect on mood in some people, causing a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately shortened to S.A.D. Because OnlineClock.net wants you all to remain healthy and happy users of our website, we’ve decided to delve into this subject today.
As defined by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, S.A.D. is a disorder that is present in fall and winter, characterized by lack of ambient light, hormone regulation and body temperature. It is also more common in women than men. S.A.D. manifests itself with symptoms similar to depression, including the following:
- afternoon mood changes
- weight gain from an increased appetite
- daytime sleepiness
- lack of energy
- social withdrawal
- irritability
- slow movement
In recent years, Seasonal Affective Disorder has received much attention from researchers and medical professionals. New treatments are being developed and tested to treat S.A.D., which affects adults, children and even domestic pets.
The origins of S.A.D. are documented in the book “The Noonday Demon,” by Andrew Sullivan. S.A.D. was discovered by Dr. Norman Rosenthal in 1984 when he returned to the United States from South Africa. During this time he noted symptoms of “winter blues” that many people often feel, but noticed that it seemed to be more severe and linger on extensively, but diminished in the spring and summer. In his book, Sullivan puts this idea into perspective by comparing humans’ lack of exposure to natural light in the winter to asking a bear to perform at a circus during hibernation. He mentions that humans need bright light; the lack of this light is due to increasingly busy and strained lifestyles that keep people indoors more.
From its discovery until now, the most popular forms of treatment for S.A.D. are medications and light therapy. Since research has shown connections to the amount of ambient light a person receives, further studies have been performed to find therapies focused on light instead of medication. Antidepressant medications have negative and dependent effects on many users, so researchers are looking for a way to eliminate the need of pharmaceuticals that may be harmful.
In a recent study performed by the Department of Biopsychology of New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, 99 adult subjects with S.A.D. symptoms were observed:
- One group received a specific pattern of dawn simulation similar to that which would be observed on the date of May 5 at a latitude location of 45° north.
- Another group received a specifically-timed dawn light pulse that matched the illumination of the dawn simulation.
- The third group received a bright light treatment lasting 30 minutes.
- Negative air ionization was distributed to the fourth group, administered at a high flow rate for 93 minutes.
- Ionization at a low flow rate for 93 minutes was administered the the fifth group.
Using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the patients were tested for 3 weeks. The most successful treatment was bright light, ranking at 57.1%, followed by dawn simulation at 49.5%, dawn pulse therapy at 42.7%, high-density ionization at 47.9% and far behind in last place, low-density ionization at 22.7%. The researchers concluded that light therapy was effective in treating the most cases. They also confirmed that ionization therapies are alternatives to light therapy and medication.
Until natural treatments that have higher and more consistent effectiveness ratings can be developed, medication continues to be a common treatment, but is usually always combined with light therapy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors often prescribe antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft or, in extreme cases, Wellbutrin XL. These medications are prescribed before the seasonal period in which S.A.D. typically begins. Antidepressants take some time to take effect, often several weeks, so it is necessary to begin treatment prior to the typical onset of symptoms. Light therapy is usually given at home by way of a light box. This therapy is generally given in the morning hours for a specific period of time, decided by the psychiatrist. Psychiatrists do not recommend light therapy in the evening hours, as this is when Melatonin normally increases and sleep is induced. There are several companies on the internet who sell light boxes, claiming that they are the best treatments for S.A.D. While there is truth to the fact that light is an effective treatment, those specific boxes may not live up to the manufacturer’s claims. Just as people should never take a prescription medication without a doctor’s order, people should never order a light box without a psychiatrist’s order!
Light Box to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Dr. Michael Terman has been involved in the majority of research on S.A.D. and has devoted his life to studying the disorder. His research involves extensive light therapy knowledge. Dr. Terman recommends that those who experience symptoms of S.A.D. see a psychiatrist immediately. Although symptoms typically subside or lessen when spring and summer months arrive, S.A.D. can last longer and is a very severe form of depression with the ability to cause a major negative impact on the victim’s mental health and life activities. In an interview with the Examiner, Dr. Terman recommended patients in New York to the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at Columbia University Medical Center, a unique light treatment facility. The center features a website with more details and contact information. Dr. Terman’s expert advice on finding a good light box is sound; he recommends patients see a psychiatrist who will correspond with a light treatment center to decide which box is best. He also reiterates the importance of never attempting to self-treat S.A.D. symptoms.
Dawn simulation devices intended to mimic the ones in the research finding mentioned earlier are also available online, but as with light boxes, they should never be purchased and used to treat symptoms of S.A.D. without the express order of a physician or psychiatrist.
Since research has still not pinpointed the exact cause of S.A.D., but rather a group of proven contributing factors, there are no universal measures recommended to prevent it, other than simply receiving optimal light exposure.
Exposure to the sun’s natural light is best.
If you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, OnlineClock.net urges you to visit a good medical doctor to get the help you need.
There is (day) light at the end of the tunnel: more effective treatments are always being developed!
Related Alarm Clock Blog Posts: