David Wendt, M.D.
Family Medicine
Lakewood Hospital
Q. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and how is it treated?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called winter depression. It usually begins in late fall or early winter and goes away by summer. A less common type of SAD, known as summer depression, usually begins in the late spring or early summer. SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight during different times of the year. As many as half a million people in the United States may have winter depression. It usually affects people older than age 20. SAD is more common in northern geographic regions.
Common symptoms of SAD include: a change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods, weight gain, a heavy feeling in the arms or legs, a drop in energy level, fatigue, a tendency to oversleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, increased sensitivity to social rejection, avoidance of social situations, feelings of guilt, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, ongoing feelings of hopelessness and physical problems such as headaches.
Symptoms of SAD may reoccur annually around the same time each year. The changes in mood are not necessarily related to obvious things that would make a certain season stressful (like regularly being unemployed during winter months).
Light therapy is one option for treating SAD. If your doctor suggests light therapy, you may use a specially made light box, or a light visor that you wear on your head like a cap. Generally, light therapy takes about 30 minutes each day throughout fall and winter, when people are more likely to be depressed. When used properly, light therapy seems to have very few side effects. Tanning beds should not be used to treat SAD, because their light source is high in ultraviolet rays, which is harmful to eyes and skin.
If you are diagnosed with SAD, your physician may also suggest medication or behavior therapy for treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as a group called SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) have proven to be effective in treatment of SAD.
Dr. Wendt is board-certified in family medicine and has special interests in pediatrics, geriatrics and preventive medicine. He is currently accepting new patients at his new office location, Lakewood Medical Associates, Beachcliff, located in Rocky River. To schedule an appointment with him, please call 440.356.3640.