There’s a classic rock song that proclaims “there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues!” Fortunately, that doesn’t hold true for the winter blues, the prolonged feeling of sadness some people experience during fall and winter.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
The winter blues is a common name for the condition more accurately described as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAE). Despite its name, it’s important to realize this isn’t a separate disorder, but rather a form of depression exhibiting a cyclical seasonal component.
Diagnosis of SAD requires the presence of clinical symptoms of depression, with an onset coinciding with a particular season, for two years.
In addition to feelings of sadness, fall/winter-onset SAD is often characterized by:
- Lethargy
- Oversleeping
- Overeating and craving comfort foods
- Social withdrawal
It’s almost as if the brain switches to hibernation mode.
Because symptoms tend to worsen over time, serious complications can ensue. Social withdrawal, substance abuse, problems at work or school, and even suicidal thoughts can occur if the condition isn’t properly treated.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
While the exact cause remains elusive, evidence suggests that decreased exposure to sunlight as days become shorter plays a key role. Lack of light is thought to cause chemical imbalances in the brain, leading to:
- Disruption of circadian rhythm, causing lethargy and feelings of depression
- Overproduction of melatonin, the hormone regulating sleep
- Abnormal regulation of serotonin, which affects mood
Risk factors
- Sex: Females are four times more likely to be diagnosed
- Younger age
- Living farther away from the equator
- Family history of depression
- Prior history of depression or bipolar illness
Treatment Options
Common therapies for SAD include:
- Light therapy, in which a person is exposed to a lamp for a certain amount of time daily, appears to be effective for many people. It is thought that light from the lamp helps correct the chemical imbalances in the brain. Optimal results seem to occur when the exposure takes place first thing in the morning.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, in which a patient identifies negative thoughts and behaviors that might contribute to his feeling depressed, has proven to be both very effective and to produce the long-lasting results.
- Antidepressants, especially when symptoms are severe.
The presence of bipolar illness is significant, as light therapy and antidepressants can trigger mania.
The Bottom Line
Seasonal affective disorder is not simply a temporary case of the blues. It is a serious condition that, once properly diagnosed, can be effectively treated. The earliest in the season treatment begins, the better the results.
Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, spending time outdoors, and socializing with others also help.
Some people experience a rare type of SAD with a spring/summer-onset. It is also treatable, so don’t believe the song.