$Unique_ID{BRK00884}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Causes Lack of Motivation or Energy During Winter?}
$Subject{depression winter SAD Mental Emotional condition Conditions fatigued
sleep more gain weight irritable feel helpless psychotherapy antidepressant
medication medications phototherapy Seasonal Affective Disorder Disorders
behavior behaviors antidepressants}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Lack of Motivation or Energy During Winter?


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QUESTION:  Winter has barely begun, and already I am feeling the effects of
the shortened days.  I am always tired, and lack any motivation or energy.  I
have read that this may be the signs of an emotional disorder, but I can't
believe it may be happening to me.  Do you know of any condition that causes
this sort of problem?

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ANSWER:  I do know the condition of which you speak, although I am not sure
that you have all the symptoms necessary to make the diagnosis in your case.
You are thinking of "Seasonal Affective Disorder" with the descriptive
abbreviation of SAD.  SAD is a severe form of depression which occurs each
winter in patients who are afflicted with the disorder.  They feel fatigued,
sleep more than usual, can gain weight because of appetite changes, and are
irritable and feel helpless.  In a word, they are SAD.  To make this
diagnosis, A patient would have a severe depression, with no other
demonstrable causes, have all the symptoms listed, would experience this mood
change during the same period of time in each of the last three years, so that
it is predictable, and have no other seasonal reason to explain a depression
(for example the loss of a job over winter months).  It occurs most frequently
in young women, ages 20 to 30, who express feelings of anxiety and fatigue.
They may also gain enormous amounts of weight, as a craving for carbohydrates
and sweets frequently accompanies this disorder.  In addition to psychotherapy
and antidepressant medications, phototherapy may be used.  Phototherapy uses a
light box that provides high intensity light of about 2500 lux (ordinary
indoor light is 100 to 500 lux while bright summer sunshine is 50,000 lux).
The patient remains in front of this light box for one hour daily, and is
directed to look directly into the light for 10 to 15 seconds in each minute.
The response is excellent, with up to 85% of the patients reporting reductions
in symptoms.  Before rushing to buy a box (they cost about $360), see your
doctor and be evaluated.  Other factors may be causing your problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.