Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a type of clinical depression which follows a seasonal pattern. Typical onset is in early winter with improvement in spring or early summer.
What are common symptoms of S.A.D.?
- Oversleeping (often an increase of 4 hours or more each day)
- Lethargy
- Intense craving for carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Withdrawal from social contacts
- Depression
What is light therapy?
Light therapy involves exposure to bright light under specific conditions. The light can be delivered through several forms; special lamps or a light visor. Daily treatment sessions usually last from fifteen minutes to half an hour.
Is light therapy effective? Are there any side effects?
Light therapy has been found to have an anti-depressant effect in 70% of people with S.A.D. Most people find relief of their symptoms within two weeks of beginning light therapy.
A few mild side effects have been reported. They include but are not limited to: eyestrain, headaches, irritability and insomnia. Insomnia usually occurs if the treatment is taken too late in the day.
People should avoid self-diagnosis. There may be existing medial conditions that interfere with light treatment. Consult with your doctor if you suffer from eye problems or if you are taking medication with photosensitivity listed as a side effect.
Related Resources and Sites:
University of British Columbia S.A.D. information
page website:
http://ubcsad.bc-alter.net/home.htm
The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms website: www.sltbr.org/
Dr. Rosenthal on Seasonal Affective Disorder (An interview with Katie Couric)
http://www.normanrosenthal.com/video1.html
MDAO was pleased to have Dr. Anthony Levitt as a Distinguished Speaker on November 1st, 2006 presenting Out of the Darkness: The Modern Treatment of Seasonal Depression. Click here to read the article.
Recommended reading:
- Edited by Raymond W. Lam and Anthony J. Levitt, Canadian Consensus Guidelines For The Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder , Clinical & Academic Publishing, 1999.
- Celeste A. Peters, Don't be SAD, Your guide to conquering Seasonal Affective Disorde r, Script publishing Inc. 1994.
- Norman E. Rosenthal M.D., Winter Blues , The Guilford Press, 1998.