S.A.D.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Whether you thought it was called SAD syndrome, Seasonal Adjustment Disorder, Seasonal Affected Disorder or just plain SAD Disorder then you've come to the right place. The terms Winter Depression or Winter Blues are also sometimes used, especially when describing milder types of SAD


What is SAD?

Animals react to the changing seasons with changes in mood, metabolism and behaviour and human beings are just the same. Most people find they eat and sleep slightly more in winter and dislike the dark mornings and short days. For some, however, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. These people are suffering from SAD.

How does it affect people?

Sleep problems - oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
Overeating - carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety - normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
Family / social problems - avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
Lethargy - too tired to cope, everything an effort
Physical symptoms - often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
Behavioural problems - especially in young people

The symptoms tend to start from around September each year lasting until April, but are at their worst in the darkest months.

Who does it affect?

The standard figure says that around 2% of people in Northern Europe suffer badly, with many more (10%) putting up with milder symptoms (sub-syndromal SAD or the Winter Blues). Across the world the incidence increases with distance from the equator, except where there is snow on the ground, when it becomes less common. More women than men are diagnosed as having SAD. Children and adolescents are also vulnerable.

What causes it?

The problem stems from the lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry, although the exact means by which sufferers are affected is not yet known. It is not a psychosomatic or imaginary illness.

What treatment is there?

As the cause is lack of bright light, the treatment is to be in bright light every day by using a light box or a similar bright light therapy device. (Going to a brightly-lit climate, whether skiing or somewhere hot, is indeed a cure). The preferred level of light is about as bright as a spring morning on a clear day and for most people sitting in front of a light box, allowing the light to reach the eyes, for between 15 and 45 minutes daily will be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms. The user does not have to stare at the light, but can watch TV or read or similar, just allowing the light to reach the eyes. Outside In have a complete range of light boxes, all designed in line with the research findings from medical and academic facilities. They are all available on our pioneering Home Trial System, and most of them VAT-free for personal users.

Is anything special about the light?

The light must be suitably bright. At least 2500lux (lux is the technical measure of brightness) is needed, which is five times brighter than a well-lit office (a normal living room might be as low as 100lux); brighter lights up to 10,000lux work quicker. The light box must deliver the lux at a sensible distance, so you don't have to be sat too close to it. Contrary to the old belief the light does not need to be special daylight, colour matching or 'full spectrum' light; simply changing the lamps in a room to these special types will not produce sufficient light.

Should I talk to my doctor?

We encourage SAD sufferers to seek the support of their doctor. We can also supply comprehensive information packs for medical practitioners.


(Credits: http://www.outsidein.co.uk/sadinfo.htm)