“Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD), also known as “seasonal depression” and the “winter blues,” is estimated to affect about 14 million Americans. Typically, symptoms of this disorder begin in the late fall and early winter and dissipate during the spring. In the meantime, those suffering from SAD experience symptoms of depression that include low energy, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating, among others. While four in five people with SAD are women (for reasons that are thought to be genetic in nature), some people who are genetically prone to the condition are able to resist the environmental factors that trigger it. Recent research points to longer exposure to daylight as the reason behind their ability to avoid the “winter blues.”
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy. If you have bipolar disorder, tell your doctor. Light therapy or antidepressants can potentially trigger a manic episode. We welcome people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Our staff includes 90 trained and experienced doctors, nurses, counselors, therapists and support staff. We are proud of the many benefits and services we provide for people of all ages across the region. Call one of our offices today to schedule an appointment.
P.S. According to the above-mentioned study, levels of “serotonin” (the “happy chemical” in the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells that promote feelings of well-being) drop an average of about 10 percent between summer and winter.