Depression linked to winter weather

Some people suffer from signs of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months.

“This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder,” said Youmasu Siewe, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service health education and family development specialist.  “SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and is related to seasonal variations of light.”

SAD is a Circadian Rhythm Disorder.  Circadian Rhythms control the timing, quantity and quality of the many hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters the body produces.

Siewe said these are the elements that help decide how to feel, sleep patterns, appetite and other sleep and mood related issues.  When functioning properly, the Circadian Rhythms create Circadian Balance and a person feels great.

An estimated 35 million North Americans have SAD and it is more common in women than men.

Symptoms for 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 and a tendency to oversleep.

-         Difficulty concentrating.

-         Irritability and increase sensitivity to social rejection.

-         Avoidance of social situations.

-         Symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no nonseasonal depression.

-         Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression occurrences.

A possible cause for this disorder is a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain called melatonin.  This hormone has been linked to SAD and is produced at increased levels in the dark.  Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

“Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin,” said Siewe.  “The device most often used is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen.”

Light treatment should be used daily in winter and early autumn when the symptoms first appear.  This consists of sitting two to three feet away from the light box, usually allowing the light to shine directly through the eyes.

Siewe said the user can carry out normal activities like reading, working and eating while stationary in front of the box.  It is not necessary to stare at the light although it has been proved safe.

The treatment is usually effective within three or four days and the effect continues, if used everyday.  Tinted lenses, or any device that blocks the light to the eye’s retina, should not be worn.

To treat milder symptoms, one can spend time outdoors during the day or arrange homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight.  One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight is as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light.

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.