Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression affecting approximately 4-6% of the population and usually starts around early fall and then begins
to subside during spring time. This disorder will continue to show its symptoms each year unless a preventative treatment
plan is started by the individual suffering from SAD. Seasonal affective disorder affects mainly women and
symptoms typically start to appear in the person's early twenties and can become progressively more severe with
age. A much more common form of the disorder is what is known as Sub-syndromal SAD or often referred to as the
"winter blues" affecting a large percentage of the population in higher latitudes.
The exact causes of seasonal affective disorder are still under investigation, but it is believed to be
caused by imbalances in the melatonin/serotonin hormonal systems. Melatonin, also known as "the sleep hormone",
is produced in the pineal gland by converting serotonin through a bio-chemical process. This conversion
process is regulated by signals sent to the hypothalamus of the brain by specialized photoreceptors of the eye's
retina called retinal ganglion cells. During the fall and winter months when outdoor light levels decrease
an increased amount of serotonin is converted to melatonin resulting in feelings of lethargy and other sad symptoms.
The typical symtoms associated with seasonal affective disorder or the winter blues are:
- Inability to concentrate
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Increased sleepiness and difficulty waking
- Increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings causing weight gain
- Irritability
- Feelings of rejection
Treatment options can include medications, counseling, and most often a recommendation for treatment with
light therapy. Light therapy is administered through the application of bright light in sufficient amount
to simulate spring or summer daylight conditions. The amount of light recommended for a light therapy device
is 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 inches from the light fixture for periods of 15-30 minutes. Light therapy can be administered
in the doctors office or individuals can purchase light boxes or specialized desk and floor lamps to administer
the therapy in the comfort of home or at work. Treatment is normally prescribed for use shortly after waking in
the morning to help adjust circadian rhythms. It has been shown that light spectrum favoring the blue end of the
spectrum is more effective for treatment than standard bulbs, although standard bulbs can still be used with some possible side effects such as headaches.
For more information on light therapy, light boxes, specialized therapy lamps, and seasonal affective disorder please see www.fullspectrumsolutions.com