$Unique_ID{BRK01478} $Pretitle{} $Title{What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?} $Subject{winter depression sad mental emotional conditions seasonal affective disorder sunshine winters bright lighting seasons moods psychiatric sadness sleep fatigue drowsiness appetite cravings sweets weight gain phototherapy condition depressed season light mood sleepy fatigued drowsy depressing craving phototherapies behavior behaviors} $Volume{E-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Our son has been diagnosed as having SAD (seasonal affective disorder). We don't seem to know too much about this condition, except that lack of sunshine in the winter months seem to trigger the depression. We have heard that the use of bright lighting may be of some use but we have not been able to find anyone selling such a product. Can you help me? P.S. We would appreciate it if this letter could be answered soon, as winter is here and if we can find some relief, it would be greatly appreciated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: The idea that the seasons may have some influence on our moods probably was first considered back in the days of Hippocrates, but it is only within the past ten years that the American Psychiatric Association included Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also called the "winter blues", as a distinct subcategory of affective disorders. There are several varieties, but the type that occurs during the winter starts as the days grow shorter in the Fall and continues until Spring and Summer return. The symptoms include many of the same complaints seen in depression; sadness, decreased sexual drive, withdrawal from social activity, and impaired general functioning. In addition, we see excessive need for sleep, daytime fatigue and drowsiness, increased appetite and cravings for sweets, and of course weight gain. Productivity both in the work place and at school drops sharply, bringing on additional social problems that may complicate the patients life even further. A number of medications as well as psychiatric therapies are available, and often are quite effective. Phototherapy, or the use of light boxes to replace the sunlight lost during the winter months, may also be of help to some patients. Before starting this type of treatment, the diagnoses of SAD should be established by a physician who should also regulate and control the therapy. Light boxes may be obtained from: The Sunbox Company, 1132 Taft St. Rockville, MD 20850 (tel # 301-762-1786); Apollo Light Systems, 320 West 160 South, Orem, Utah 84058, (tel # 801-226-2370); Medic-Light Inc. Yacht Club Drive, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 (tel # 201-663-1214). Light boxes range in price from approximately $400 to $500. ---------------- 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.