by Melinda Clayton

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: December 11, 2009

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, as it's so aptly called, affects thousands of Americans each year, particularly during the winter months. Sometimes referred to as "winter blues," SAD typically begins in the late fall, lasting through the winter and then fading away in spring and summer months. Summer-onset SAD, a much less common form, manifests in the late spring, builds through the summer and then recedes as fall and winter approach.

Symptoms of SAD are much like those of depression, and include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety, and a drop in energy level. Many people experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder struggle with a loss of concentration which may be exacerbated by persistent fatigue.

Symptoms such as these often lead sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder to withdraw socially, avoiding interactions with friends and loved ones.

While a specific cause for SAD is unknown, most experts believe it to be caused by the body's reaction to a lack of sunlight, particularly during the winter months. Two hormones responsible for energy and mood, serotonin and melatonin, are known to be affected by the amount of sunlight to which a person is exposed. Shorter days may cause an increase in melatonin, resulting in a higher need for sleep, and a decrease in serotonin, which is commonly linked to depression.

One of the most effective treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder involves the use of light therapy, sometimes referred to as phototherapy. For individuals experiencing mild cases of SAD, simply increasing time outside exposed to sunlight may help decrease symptoms. Special full-spectrum light bulbs may also be purchased and used in the home or office to mimic the rays produced by sunlight, thereby decreasing the symptoms of SAD.

Those suffering from more severe cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder may benefit from structured daily sessions of phototherapy. During phototherapy sessions, the individual sits or lies down under a full-spectrum lamp for a specified amount of time, typically 45 minutes per session.

During the session the individual is encouraged to quickly glance periodically at the light source to ensure the light is absorbed through the retinas. Individuals must take care, however, not to look directly at the light for extended periods of time, as this may cause damage to the eye.

Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to be effective in controlling the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. When the ultraviolet rays produced by sunlight strike the skin, the body naturally produces vitamin D. For those suffering with SAD, the body may not be able to produce sufficient amount of vitamin D, and supplements may be in order.

Psychotherapy, often called "talk therapy," can also help sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder work through troubling feelings and emotions. Many people with SAD find that a combination of psychotherapy, increased exposure to sunlight, phototherapy, and Vitamin D supplements works best to combat the symptoms of SAD. Anyone suffering from the devastating affects of SAD should seek professional help as soon as possible.

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