Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Feeling Better? It might be the weather!

As the season changes from winter to spring, you may notice a lift in your mood. Doesn't it seem like everyone is happier on sunny days? While many individuals (15-25%) experience a slight change in mood when the weather is sunny, some people experience depression during the winter and mania in the summer. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A more extreme version of seasonal cycling of mood, individuals suffering from SAD may become very depressed and may sleep excessively during the winter. Weight gain and increased appetite are common.

This disorder is more prevalent in the north where there is less winter sunlight. For example, studies have shown that <2% of Floridians suffer from SAD, while the prevalence is almost 10% of the population in New Hampshire. A common term for this disorder is cabin fever.

SAD might be related to melatonin, and seasonal changes in its production. Melatonin production is suppressed by light, therefore it is only produced at night. During the winter, melatonin production increases when there is less sunlight. This may be the reason for the increase in depression in some people.

Treatment Options:


Phototherapy is a relatively new treatment that involves exposure to bright light for about two hours in the morning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has also been shown to be effective for this disorder. If you think you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to a therapist or your doctor about treatment options.

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