SAD December 2006

Once again it’s coming to that time of year, Christmas upon us dark nights more rain, wind and cold than we like to think about. That long summer is behind us.
The hustle and bustle of shopping and entertaining and the demands they bring with them.  Heading for a festive holiday and yet for many, the fun and love that surrounds us at this time of year is often marred by holiday blues, anxiety and depression.

This time of year usually between autumn time and spring brings feelings of SADness. For some people they find their moods shift with the seasons.  A common pattern is decrease in mood in autumn and winter as the days get shorter, and an improvement in mood in the spring.

So What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

To diagnose seasonal affective disorder, your doctor will look amongst other things, for the following:

• Mild to moderate depression that comes every year in mid-autumn.
• Excessive sleepiness and appetite; social isolation and irritability.
• Symptoms of depression that are most pronounced in mid-winter.
• Depression that lifts by May.
• Symptoms that are not better explained by some other cause. 

If the depression recurs for at least two seasonal cycles (two years). It may be part of a larger pattern of recurrent major depressive disorder. There can be a lot of causes for depression other than the darkness of winter. Rather than diagnose yourself as suffering from SAD, always consult your doctor.

Treatment

The treatment of seasonal affective disorder is frequently the same as the treatment of other types of depression. Standard treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy are appropriate, as is a program of hypnotherapy to help change thought patterns and expectations, and to looking to the future, and recognising the moods will pass.  In addition, light therapy has been found effective for seasonal depression. Boots the Chemist have a range of lights that may help this condition.
As always if in doubt about any of your symptoms, always consult your medical Doctor.

Final word for 2006 I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contacted me regarding this column and for their kind words. For now I wish all readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas and healthy and prosperous new year.