Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that typically occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in the winter but occasionally in the summer as well.
SAD symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, irritability, weight gain, increased appetite for carbohydrates, lack of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, increased desire to sleep, social withdrawal, and more. In children and teenagers, symptoms may manifest as tantrums, reduced performance at school, sleep problems, and unusual cravings.
SAD affects about one in twenty people, often starting between the ages of twenty and forty and affecting women more than men.
Light therapy is a well-established treatment for SAD. It involves exposure to special broad-spectrum bright lights for 30 to 60 minutes daily, preferably in the morning. Light therapy is believed to work by reducing melatonin production and stimulating serotonin production in the brain. Initially, individuals may feel a sense of calm and increased energy. Symptoms of SAD can disappear within days for some people, while for others, it may take several weeks.
Before starting light therapy, it’s essential to consult a doctor, especially if you have certain eye disorders, year-round depression, symptoms of illness, or are taking medication that makes you sensitive to light.
In addition to light therapy, other treatment options for SAD include maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, herbal remedies, psychotherapy, and medication. Some recent studies have found light therapy to be as effective as antidepressants in reducing SAD symptoms.
For many individuals with SAD, adopting a holistic approach that includes light therapy along with lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
References
1. Fonte, A., & Coutinho, B. (2021). Seasonal sensitivity and psychiatric morbidity: study about seasonal affective disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1), 1–317. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03313-z
2. Drew, E. M., Hanson, B. L., & Huo, K. (2021). Seasonal affective disorder and engagement in physical activities among adults in Alaska. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 80(1), 1906058–1906058. https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2021.1906058
3. Pjrek, E., Friedrich, M.-E., Cambioli, L., Dold, M., Jäger, F., Komorowski, A., Lanzenberger, R., Kasper, S., & Winkler, D. (2020). The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 89(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1159/000502891