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Seasonal Depression Symptoms SAD is characterised by sadness or a decline in enjoyment of daily activities. They may lose interest in family and friends, sleep more often or have difficulty getting up, and are in search of carbohydrates which give the body rapid energy. The brain's mood-regulating pathways can be affected by the lack of sunlight in the fall and winter months. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others experience symptoms that are severe enough to affect relationships and at work. Treatment The good news is that treatment options are available. Patients suffering from SAD can benefit from psychotherapy, light therapy and medication. Simple changes can also help to relieve symptoms and improve mood. SAD can be mild, moderate or even severe. It can affect someone's concentration, energy level and appetite. Some people with SAD may experience irritability or angry more frequently. They may also have difficulty making decisions and concentrating. Certain sufferers of SAD have trouble sleeping and this can cause them to lack energy throughout the day. The change of seasons can cause symptoms of SAD. The shorter hours of daylight in the winter and fall seasons can affect a person's biological rhythms. This can reduce serotonin levels and increase melatonin. This can cause insomnia or cause depression. People suffering from SAD typically report feeling down or sad at a certain time of the year. They usually experience these symptoms in winter or autumn and are more comfortable in spring. They may also experience moments of elation or feeling awestruck in the summer. People with SAD might experience more episodes of depression than other people. SAD can be confused with other mood disorders. It is important to obtain an assessment from a medical provider. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for SAD. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people how to confront and change negative thinking. CBT for SAD is focused on changing negative thoughts about the season to more helpful ones. It assists people in finding enjoyable activities to combat their loss of interest in the summer or winter months. It's not known what the efficacy of herbal supplements or remedies are for SAD. Many herbs and dietary supplements aren't controlled in the same way as medicines are. They can interact with prescription medications and cause serious issues. Talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking any dietary or herbal supplements. Medication The symptoms of seasonal depression are much more severe than the occasional “winter blues.” If you are suffering from these mood swings every year around the same time you GP can help diagnose and manage your symptoms. Treatment options include light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication. The winter-pattern SAD is characterized by depressive episodes that take place throughout the year in the winter and fall. These episodes may be associated with a lack of energy, increased appetite and an appetite for starchy foods, sleep disruption and weight increase. These symptoms can cause you to feel hopeless, despair and even suicidal in extreme instances. Some people with SAD may benefit from taking bupropion, a dopamine-inhibitor. This medication balances your serotonin levels and dopamine levels, which can reduce the likelihood of becoming unmotivated and irritable. This is a relatively brand new type of antidepressant which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be used in treating SAD. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based on the specific symptoms and the severity of your illness. They'll likely suggest that you start antidepressants before the symptoms of seasonality usually begin each year, and then continue taking them until spring. They might also suggest using the light box or lamp to simulate sunlight, which will encourage serotonin release. It's important to know that even though many people suffering from SAD are suffering from an absence of vitamin D, there is no proof of this being the reason of their condition. However, making sure your diet is a source of healthy foods and that you take time in the sun can aid in reducing. SAD can be a very difficult condition, and the symptoms can appear to persist for a long time. It is essential to understand that there are numerous ways to treat this condition. With the help of your GP you can conquer symptoms and get back to an ordinary life. For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other mental health conditions, visit the Health Matters blog(link opens in a new window) at NewYork-Presbyterian. Cognitive behavior therapy SAD is a type depression that occurs in the winter and autumn, and improves during the spring and summer. It is caused by changes in sunlight exposure and biological rhythms that can affect sleep, eating, mood and behavior. Light therapy, antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy can ease symptoms of seasonal depression. Researchers aren't sure what causes SAD. However, they believe that less sunlight triggers a change in the chemical in the brain that can lead to depression. SAD sufferers are more likely than other people to suffer from other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or major depression. They also may be at risk due to family history, such as someone in the family with schizophrenia or depression. People with winter-pattern SAD typically have lower levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood. postnatal depression symptoms Iam Psychiatry that are low can affect sleep, the ability to think clearly and cause sadness. Melatonin levels could be lower in those with SAD summer-pattern. This can alter sleep patterns and trigger depression-like symptoms. SAD symptoms include depression, fatigue and a lack of concentration. It can also cause a an absence of interest in the activities that you normally enjoy. In some cases you may decide to be unable to connect with family and friends during the wintery, cold months or lose weight to cope with your negative emotions. You may also begin to feel suicidal, which is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Talk therapy can help people suffering from SAD overcome depression by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. During sessions, your therapist may ask you questions and encourage you to pay attention to how you respond to difficult situations. Together, you'll work to come up with new ways to handle these situations. Psychotherapy is most effective when it's tailored to a specific issue such as SAD. One of the most promising treatments for SAD is called cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. CBT was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. It is an adaptation of Albert Ellis’ rational emotive behavior therapy. It focuses on transforming harmful patterns of “emotional reasoning” that cause depression. Light therapy Many people feel tired, slow and depressed when the seasons change. For some, these issues are more serious than a normal case of the “winter blues,” and may lead to depression known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. If you're suffering from this disorder, simple lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms and restore your normal mood. Research has shown that bright light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can help improve symptoms of SAD and other conditions that affect your mood. A daily use of light boxes or specialized full-spectrum lighting in the early morning hours can reduce your symptoms. Light therapy helps increase serotonin production, a natural chemical that boosts your mood and helps you stay alert. It can also help prevent the deterioration of your circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that controls sleep cycles, as well as other vital functions. The best results for SAD are obtained by using a specific device that emits 10,000 lux of bright white light, roughly the same brightness as outside on a clear day in July. Your doctor will suggest that you stand or sit in front of the device each day for 30 minutes or more starting in the early morning hours, seven days a week. If you are suffering from headaches or eye strain or headaches, you can adjust the intensity and distance between the light source and you. Use a light box with an anti-radiation filter that blocks harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can cause damage to your eyes and skin. You can buy the lightbox from your healthcare provider, or you can find one online. Be sure to ensure that it is medically approved to treat SAD. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider whether you suffer from bipolar disorder or another mental health problem, as in some individuals bright light therapy or antidepressants may trigger a manic attack. These risks can be reduced through these treatments under the guidance of a physician.