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WHAT'S NEW
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February health news: Seasonal Affective Disorder treatments explored
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SAD is more than a case of the winter blues but treatment options shine a light on the darkness of this illness. Find out how light therapy and anti-depressants can help heal this type of depression.
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By Heather Camlot
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The weather has a way of playing with your emotions -- rainy days may make you gloomy and bright sunshine brings you delight. Winter's cold winds and dark skies can leave you depressed, filling you with the desire to cocoon under the covers and comfort yourself with carbs.
While 15 per cent of the country suffers from the winter blues, another 1 million Canadians are diagnosed with a clinical depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD strikes during autumn and winter, but disappears as the days lengthen and the weather warms.
Common symptoms include:
- oversleeping
- extreme fatigue
-increased appetite with carbohydrate cravings
-overeating
-weight gain
-Some sufferers may also have suicidal thoughts.
Although no one is certain what causes SAD, research has shown that light (or the lack thereof) has a biological effect on brain chemicals and function.
It could be that SAD sufferers have a problem with their brain's biological clock, which regulates hormones, sleep and mood. Genetics, age and gender may also play a role. Recent studies also suggest that where you live, specifically in northern countries like Canada where winter days are shorter, also has an effect.
Seasonal Affective Disorder treatments
Because low-light months seem to be a key issue for people with SAD, some doctors have championed the use of light therapy over antidepressants. Light therapy involves sitting under a fluorescent light box or lamp that mimics outdoor light for as little as 30 minutes per day.
Other doctors remain skeptical. "Doctors are much more used to prescribing antidepressants than using a treatment like light therapy," explains Dr. Raymond Lam, professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and director of the Mood Disorders Clinic at UBC Hospital. "Despite the numerous studies showing that light therapy was useful for SAD, a lot of doctors wondered: Well, is it really as good as antidepressants?"
Page 2 -- Light therapy vs. antidepressants
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