Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

When it’s more than just the “Winter Blues”

DAVENPORT, Iowa - We all get the “winter blues.” The thought of the sun saying “goodnight” at 5 p.m. or waking up to temperatures in the single digits can be rather disheartening. Most of us manage to plow our way through those winter days.

For many people, however, this “harmless” winter interim can lead to extreme depression. An estimated 14 million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder as the hours of available daylight diminish in winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that is highly treatable, said Steve Kopp, Ph.D, psychologist with Genesis Psychology Associates, Davenport.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder is very real for people who experience it. Many people go through it every winter and call it ‘the winter blues,’ but it’s more than that,’’ said Dr. Kopp, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. “SAD is a subset of depression disorders.’’

Not unlike other species of the animal kingdom, humans experience physical and behavioral changes as daylight hours grow shorter. For some people, Dr. Kopp said SAD becomes a human version of hibernation.

“Some of the symptoms are fatigue, sleeping more, exercising less, weight gain, irritability and a general malaise,’’ he said. “Sex drives also can diminish.

“What sometimes happens is that someone in the family notices that the person with SAD is grouchy and just isn’t feeling well. Maybe the person is sleeping in more and is skipping work. Someone suggests, ‘Maybe you should talk to someone about it.’ It’s not unusual at this time of the year to see patients whom we diagnose with SAD.’’

With winter comes a different cycle of daylight that affects the normal biological rhythms that control sleep, added neurologist Stephen Rasmus, M.D., who is medical director of the Genesis Sleep Disorders Center in Davenport. Because of this, many sufferers have difficulty getting up in the morning. As the season progresses they are known to shift their sleep to a later time by as many as four hours. It can also be associated with up to 20 pounds in weight gain.

Such behavior is called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Once spring arrives, these symptoms gradually resolve. Geographical location plays a large role in the susceptibility to SAD, Dr. Rasmus said. People in the northern United States are eight times more likely to have SAD than those in southern areas.

Some symptoms of SAD include:

• Increased sleep
• Difficulty getting to work on time
• Increased appetite, weight gain
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Desire to avoid people
• Irritability
• Suicidal thoughts

Dr. Kopp said an increase in exercise; eating a healthy diet; and having a consistent sleep pattern help SAD sufferers. In more severe cases, phototherapy or anti-depressants may be recommended.

Light or phototherapy is suggested as a replacement for daylight lost during the winter. Phototherapy units that shine at 2,500 to 10,000 lux – lux is the metric unit of measure for illuminance of a surface – are suggested. White fluorescent lighting is recommended.

“Often the diagnosis is a relief to individuals with SAD. They now understand their winter blues,’’ Dr. Kopp added. “However, with our busy schedules and dreary weather, many struggle to find the motivation to change. For those individuals, several treatment options are available.’’

Statistically, Dr. Kopp said women are four times more likely to be affected with SAD than men. Younger adults – mid-20s through 30s – are also more susceptible than other age groups.

If you think you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, see your doctor. It’s easy to misinterpret symptoms or incorrectly rate their severity, and a professional evaluation should be sought.

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