When the Holidays Aren't So Happy: Treating, Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder

CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The holiday season is often associated with family gatherings and cheerful spirits, but that's not the case for everyone.

For some, the lack of sunlight during winter months can actually cause a subtype of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where episodes of depression regularly occur during the same time every year. Symptoms start in late fall and often last until early spring. SAD may affect up to nine percent of Americans depending on latitude, although women may be at higher risk for developing SAD during their reproductive years. The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but experts believe changes in melatonin and serotonin levelsor a disruption in the body's internal clock could be to blame, said Northwestern Medicine® psychiatrist Pedro Dago, MD.

"If you're experiencing significant functional impairment associated with the changes in season, it's time to get some help," says Dago, who is also an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Understand that SAD is not just a case of the winter blues, but a serious problem for many people and that it can be treated. Talk to your doctor if you are suffering from symptoms so you, too, can enjoy this holiday season."

Those who suffer from SAD have the following symptoms:

• Feeling depressed, fatigued and lethargic
• Difficulty waking up in the morning and a tendency to sleep more
• Interference in work, school and personal relationships  
• Increased appetite, leading to weight gain  
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities
• Trouble concentrating  

Traditional treatments for SAD include psychotherapy, medication and therapeutic light therapy but Dago recommends first talking to your doctor to determine appropriate therapies and treatment. He also suggests the following tips:

• Sleep well - Make sure you wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Doing so will keep your body's internal clock in sync.
• Let the light in - Expose yourself to as much sunlight as possible by opening blinds at home and making sure that your work space has natural or bright light.
• Control your cravings - Eat a balanced diet while limiting the amount of carbohydrates you are eating. Carbohydrates can provide a short-term energy boost but leave you feeling worse later in the day.
• Embrace an exercise routine - Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but also helps relieve stress and anxiety that can increase the symptoms of SAD. Yoga and Pilates classes are both good ways to both relax and exercise.
• Maintain your social behavior - Winter months usually mean you will spend more time indoors, but don't forget to make time to get out of the house to visit with friends and family.
• Learn to manage your stress - Take time to relax each day and try to manage your stress so it doesn't lead to depression and overeating. Make it a point to stay connected to people who are important to you.

For more information about SAD or to make an appointment, visit www.nm.org or call 312-926-0779.

About Northwestern Medicine®
Northwestern Medicine® is the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine around a strategic vision to transform the future of healthcare.  It encompasses the research, teaching and patient care activities of the academic medical center. Sharing a commitment to superior quality, academic excellence and patient safety, the organizations within Northwestern Medicine comprise more than 9,000 clinical and administrative staff, 3,100 medical and science faculty and 700 students. The entities involved in Northwestern Medicine remain separate organizations. Northwestern Medicine is a trademark of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and is used by Northwestern University.

About Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial is one of the country's premier academic medical center hospitals and is the primary teaching hospital of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Along with its Prentice Women's Hospital and Stone Institute of Psychiatry, the hospital has 1,705 affiliated physicians and 6,769 employees.  Northwestern Memorial is recognized for providing exemplary patient care and state-of-the art advancements in the areas of cardiovascular care; women's health; oncology; neurology and neurosurgery; solid organ and soft tissue transplants and orthopaedics.

Northwestern Memorial has nursing Magnet Status, the nation's highest recognition for patient care and nursing excellence. Northwestern Memorial ranks 6^th in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2013-14 Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals. The hospital is recognized in 14 of 16 clinical specialties rated by U.S. News and is No. 1 in Illinois and Chicago in U.S. News' 2013-14 state and metro rankings, respectively. For 14 years running, Northwestern Memorial has been rated among the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" guide by Working Mother magazine. The hospital is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Health Care Award and has been chosen by Chicagoans as the Consumer Choice according to the National Research Corporation's annual survey for 15 consecutive years. 

SOURCE Northwestern Medicine

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