$Unique_ID{BRK01478}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?}
$Subject{winter depression SAD}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?


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QUESTION:  Our son has been diagnosed as having SAD (seasonal affective
disorder).  We don't seem to know too much about this condition, except that
lack of sunshine in the winter months seem to trigger the depression.  We have
heard that the use of bright lighting may be of some use but we have not been
able to find anyone selling such a product.  Can you help me?  P.S.  We would
appreciate it if this letter could be answered soon, as winter is here and if
we can find some relief, it would be greatly appreciated.

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ANSWER:  The idea that the seasons may have some influence on our moods
probably was first considered back in the days of Hippocrates, but it is only
within the past ten years that the American Psychiatric Association included
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also called the "winter blues", as a
distinct subcategory of affective disorders.  There are several varieties, but
the type that occurs during the winter starts as the days grow shorter in the
Fall and continues until Spring and Summer return.  The symptoms include many
of the same complaints seen in depression; sadness, decreased sexual drive,
withdrawal from social activity, and impaired general functioning.  In
addition, we see excessive need for sleep, daytime fatigue and drowsiness,
increased appetite and cravings for sweets and of course, weight gain.
Productivity both in the work place and at school drops sharply, bringing on
additional social problems that may complicate the patients life even further.
A number of medications as well as psychiatric therapies are available, and
often are quite effective.  Phototherapy, or the use of light boxes to replace
the sunlight lost during the winter months may also be of help to some
patients.  Before starting this type of treatment, the diagnoses of SAD should
be established by a physician who should also regulate and control the
therapy.  Lightboxes may be obtained from:  The Sunbox Company, 1132 Taft St.
Rockville, MD 20850 (tel # 301-762-1786); Apollo Light Systems, 320 West 160
South, Orem, Utah 84058, (tel # 801-226-2370); Medic-Light Inc. Yacht Club
Drive, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 (tel # 201-663-1214). Lightboxes range in
price from approximately $400 -500.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
