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While it’s not unusual to experience a touch of sadness as summer draws to a close, for some, the changing of the seasons prompts a more serious reaction known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Oftentimes referred to as “winter depression” or “winter blues,” as many as six of every 100 individuals suffer from clinical depression that recurs each year as the amount of natural sunlight diminishes with the onset of winter. Furthermore, a majority of those experiencing the condition are women. An even greater number of people experience less severe versions of the condition that typically go undiagnosed. Symptoms of SAD are more severe in the winter months when sunlight is at a minimum. These key indicators can manifest themselves in a number of ways: • Depression: Signs of depression include constant feelings of one or more of the following: despair, hopelessness, misery, guilt, anxiety and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. • Social problems: Those with SAD oftentimes will begin avoiding family and friends and express greater irritability and loss of libido. • Sleep problems: It is not uncommon for SAD sufferers to experience either oversleeping or an inability to fall asleep. Individuals with the condition also may not feel refreshed after a night’s sleep, not want to get out of bed and feel like they need an afternoon nap. • Overeating: Craving for foods, especially those high in carbohydrates, is common among those with SAD and often leads to weight gain, which only fuels their feelings of depression. • Fatigue and lethargy: Quite often, SAD sufferers find themselves too tired to cope with ordinary challenges and even everyday tasks seem to require tremendous effort. • Physical symptoms: Joint pain and stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection and other related conditions are common. • Behavioral problems: Found most often among young people diagnosed with SAD, behavioral problems such as fighting and short tempers are common. • Psychosomatic illnesses: Real or imagined illnesses that are self-induced are more prevalent among SAD sufferers than in the general population. SAD is most prevalent during the autumn and winter holidays, because many people feel increased pressure during these times which can exacerbate symptoms of this condition. Fortunately, there are a number of measures for treating the effects of SAD that are both simple and effective. Those experiencing the symptoms of SAD are encouraged to walk outdoors on sunny days, eat fewer carbohydrates, exercise regularly or even take winter vacations in warm and sunny locations. In severe cases, physicians may recommend an approach involving light therapy in which patients are instructed to sit before a light box that simulates sunlight two times a day. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above indicators of seasonal affective disorder, consult your physician to determine an appropriate course of action so you may enjoy the holiday season without feeling so “SAD.” Dr. Catherine Y. Han is a board-certified OB/Gyn and principal member of Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group in Laguna Hills, one of Southern California’s foremost medical practices dedicated exclusively to treating women. Information: www.ocwmg.com or call 949.829.5500. |
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