Have you ever felt unusually tired or sad on a cloudy day? Do dreary days make you feel irritable? If so, maybe you've dismissed these feelings and thought, "It must be the weather." You may be right. Exposure to sunlight is associated with increased serotonin in our bodies, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Lack of sunlight means lack of serotonin, which can lead to depression. Sunlight also produces melatonin, which is a hormone responsible for regulating sleep patterns and mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which occurs cyclically and correlates with changes in seasons. There are two types of SAD. The most common is referred to as Winter Depression. These symptoms begin in late fall or early winter each year and include:
• Depression
• Social withdrawal
• Increased sleep
• Lack of energy
• Cravings for carbohydrates (breads, pasta, chips, candies/sweets)
• Weight gain
• Hopelessness
• Irritability
Due to SAD's seasonal nature, the above symptoms typically begin to cease in spring or early summer.
Pro Clinical
The second, and less common form of SAD, is Summer Depression. An individual with Summer Depression would begin to experience symptoms in spring, and the symptoms would cease in fall. Symptoms include:
• Anxiety
• Decreased sleep
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
Approximately 5 percent of the population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder. The typical age of onset is in the early-20s, and the likelihood of developing SAD decreases with age. The number of women with SAD outnumbers men four to one. It is currently unknown if there is a genetic link to seasonal depression.
So how do you know if you are experiencing "the winter blues," or if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder? The criteria for SAD includes:
• Major depressive episodes during the same season for at least two consecutive years
• The depressive symptoms cannot be due to regular seasonal stressors, such as holidays or an anniversary of the death of a loved one.
• The symptoms must cease in a cyclical nature during the same season two years in a row.
• No depressive episodes which are not related to changes in seasons
There are no medical tests which can diagnose SAD. Consult with a medical doctor or mental health professional if you believe you may have seasonal depression.
Treatment options are available for SAD, including light therapy and anti-depressant medications. Therapy can also help individuals recognize negative thought patterns which may be aggravating the depressive symptoms. Counseling can help individuals change these thought patterns and learn to cope with seasonal depression.
"Winter Blues" or Something More Serious? Recognizing Seasonal Affective DisorderFriends Link : หางานเชียงใหม่ 17 Day Diet
