Seasonal Affective Disorder (which is often shortened to the acronym of SAD or S.A.D.) is a mood disorder that brings about feelings of depression as well as changes in appetite, diet and weight during the winter months.
People who suffer from this disorder may feel exhausted and discouraged during the months of the year when there is less sunlight. Other common symptoms of SAD include headaches, irritability, sadness, a reduced libido, craving for carbohydrates and sweets, loss of concentration and achy muscles.
Also sometimes referred to as the winter blues or winter depression, this disorder affects a great number of people throughout the globe. It has been estimated that five to 10 percent of the population suffers from severe symptoms while 25 percent show moderate to mild symptoms.
It has been known for many centuries that seasons and weather have an effect on the moods of human beings. It is also well documented that depression is more prevalent during the winter months. However it was not until the 1980’s that Seasonal Affective Disorder started to receive recognition from researchers and the medical community at large. It was once regarded in a very skeptical light but has since become acknowledged and well established as a real disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder was formally described and then given its name in the year 1984. It was named by Norman E. Rosenthal and his colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health.
The season for SAD ranges from October to April. However not everybody who has it experiences it for all of those months. For many it is worse in January, February and March. It has been estimated that two-thirds of those who suffer from SAD also have an immediate family member who does the same.
Important Information About SAD:
Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common in women than in men (four times more common). SAD is predominantly a winter problem but there is a version of summer SAD that brings about some of the same symptoms, with the exception of the cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.
The cause of SAD is believed to originate with the pituitary gland. This gland, also known as the hypophysis, is an endocrine gland that weighs about the size of a pea and is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland produces a chemical by the name of melatonin. This hormone regulates sleep. The pituitary gland is greatly influenced by the sun and is regulated by it. When there is less daylight and a reduced amount of sunshine the pituitary gland does not produce the proper amount of melatonin in some individuals.
Why this only affects some people and not others is not known.
SAD can often be made worse when stress levels are high. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can also make it worse as can anxiety and panic attacks. While there are a number of symptoms that characterize this disorder the most common ones include depression, extreme lethargy, the desire to sleep more hours, and an increased appetite for foods that are starchy in nature (such as carbs) and foods high in sugar.
Treatment Options for SAD Sufferers:
There are different treatments for SAD. One of the most popular is light therapy with bright lights or sunlight because it has been shown to be the most successful. Other options include counseling (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), changes in diet and exercise, and carefully timed supplementation of melatonin. Another option is medication. Tricyclic antidepressants can be taken to help cope with the problem. There are also serotonin enhancers, tithium carbonate and monoamino oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Samantha Young
Alternative Health for Today 
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