Seasonal Depression - SAD

One of the most common forms of depression happens during certain times of the year and seems to coincide with the changing of the seasons. What used to be referred to simply as seasonal depression is now officially Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In the past, SAD was typically viewed as a long mood swing or figment of the imagination, though severe cases were treated with prescription depression medications. However, as doctors discovered, through the years, that it is extremely common and affects patients in many different ways, the medical community at large has accepted that there are numerous treatments - most being non-prescriptive - that are effective.

Most people find that SAD occurs sometime in the fall and carries through the winter months until spring. It usually coincides with the changing of the clocks for Daylight Savings Time when there are fewer hours of daylight and more inclement weather - more frequent cloudy days, and snow or other severe conditions that make it less desirable to leave the comforts of home.

While SAD affects both sexes and all ages, research has shown that women are more affected than men, and the average age of patients is between 20 and 40 years old. Many people who experience this type of depression find that there is a history of depression, even more specifically SAD, in their families.

The severity of SAD varies widely among individual sufferers. The most common, classic symptoms include the desire to sleep more than usual, extreme lethargy or lack of energy, increased appetite that often leads to weight gain, and depression. Other symptoms that can surface include anxiety and tension, antisocial behavior, decreased interest in sex, dramatic mood swings, inability to concentrate at work, and increased sensitivity to pain like headaches and arthritis.

Some people experience said symptoms with much more intensity. It can be so difficult to get out of bed that they miss work or social engagements. (Studies have shown that more sick days are used during the winter months than any other time of year.) The mood swings can be so severe that personal relationships with significant others, family members, or friends can be challenged as the SAD individual sinks into a deep depression. Weight gain can be more pronounced in such cases, and some people even find themselves with increased violent tendencies

Some SAD sufferers who prefer prescribed medication can find relief in antidepressants. The doctor may issue selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft), all of which are fairly common drugs prescribed for many types of depression. Other antidepressants include bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban), desipramine (Norpramin), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or venlafaxine (Effexor). These medications will be prescribed with care by doctors or psychiatrists who have seen the patients and after other attempts at remedying the symptoms have proved ineffective.