Seasonal affective disorder, usually referred to as SAD, is a form of depression-related illness where sufferers experience symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, along with changes in appetite and mood. The condition is recognised as more common among certain groups of people such as the elderly and women, especially those who are also suffering from either premenstrual syndrome or post-natal depression.
As SAD is associated with lack of exposure to natural sunlight or full spectrum daylight, the main forms of treatment include using a light-box for a few hours a day from around October to April (for residents in the northern hemisphere), in addition to exercising regularly in the outdoors and maintaining a balanced diet that's high in protein and omega-3. SAD patients should also limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates – a commonly craved food type among those who have been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.
As well as using diet, exercise and light therapy to control SAD symptoms, there are several other treatment alternatives, including:
- Medication
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Aromatherapy
Medication for Seasonal Affective Disorder
As with most conditions involving depression, certain medications (like antidepressants) may help reduce symptoms. These medications are especially useful in cases of SAD where light therapy alone has not been effective. Some research studies have also indicated that antidepressants may be more effective if they are combined with light therapy.
Antidepressants typically help relieve symptoms of depression by altering the manner in which the brain produces the hormone serotonin. However, it can take several weeks before a patient begins to see benefits from antidepressant medication.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Helps Seasonal Affective Disorder
As with other forms of mental health conditions, sufferers affected with SAD may also find real benefit from learning practical skills and techniques used with the framework of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT may be done with a specialised therapist or used as a self-help approach through using a self-help guide or CBT workbook.
At the core of CBT is the belief that an individual's thoughts can impacts how he/she feels. This, in turn, impacts the person's behaviour. The premise is that thoughts and views — not just action and circumstances — can have a great impact upon one's life.
Aromatherapy Treats Seasonal Affective Disorder
Aromatherapy has been used for treating depression as many of the essential oils such as lavender, jasmine, rosemary and rose are recognised as having antidepressant qualities. Research studies undertaken in the United States have revealed that combining light therapy with aromatherapy can be beneficial for those who are affected with SAD.
Notably, the efficacy of aromatherapy is believed to be related to the changes in smell that occur in those affected with seasonal affective disorder. It's said that SAD sufferers are less effective in identifying smells when compared to those who do not suffer from the condition.
Clearly, there are several main alternatives to just using light therapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. While more research is required in proving the effectiveness of some alternative approaches there are mainstream methods such as CBT, exercise and diet that are all identified along with light therapy as being helpful to most sufferers.
Source:
Marshall, F. & Cheevers, P. (2002) Coping with SAD London: Sheldon Press.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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