George Carlson
ENG109 McCoy
Research Paper
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Final Draft
The term Seasonal Affective Disorder was first introduced in 1984, and is defined in the medical field as major recurrent depression as a correlational effect of change in seasonal patterns. Seasonal Affective Disorder is becoming more prevalent than ever before, affecting approximatly 6-20% of the world population impacting millions of lives each year. Around the winter months, those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) can expect to feel regressions in their happiness and can even fall into a deep depressive state. As days grow shorter in sunlight nearing the winter solstice people with S.A.D. may regress back into a depressive state due to a lack of sunlight and Vitamin D among many other things. People who work inside or work night shifts may have an increased likelihood of experiencing S.A.D. because exposure to sunlight is limited in their profession. Seasonal Affective Disorder should be given attention like any other mental illness and should be treated with the upmost importance.
S.A.D. is known to cause manic depression in those who experience it. Despite the retrograde in mental health, a full recuperation can be expected around March when the days begin to grow longer. As Sherri Melrose states in her article, a study in people experiencing S.A.D. showed they had both 5% more SERT, a protein which directly assists with serotonin transport, in the winter months than in summer (Sherry Melrose). Those affected by S.A.D. may also have difficulty with the overproduction of melatonin, which is directly involved with the regulation of wakefulness. An overproduction of Melatonin can make one feel tired or unrested in response to darkness, which is more common in the winter. The overproduction of SERT can lead to depression due to decreased serotonin transport, and the overproduction of both SERT and Melatonin can directly affect one's internal clock. Evidence exists that those living in northern climates suffer from SAD more commonly than others. This is because northern climates are generally colder, cloudier, and the days are shorter. Women are also up to four times more likely to experience SAD than men. Those working indoors or working night shifts are also more likely to experience SAD due to less sunlight exposure or sleep taking place during the day. Those who develop SAD generally develop it during their twenties and thirties, and reports of SAD newly developing in those over 65 occur less frequently.
Although treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder are limited, they include taking antidepressants, Vitamin D supplements, Light Box Therapy, and light therapy counseling. Getting prescribed or increasing one's dosage of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac during the winter months can combat the increased levels of SERT in the brain, counteracting symptoms that cause S.A.D. Studies show that low levels of Vitamin D can cause depression, so taking supplements daily could also alleviate symptoms of S.A.D. Light Box Therapy, also known as Bright Light Therapy (B.L.T.) uses a very bright specialized light box that produces light between 5,000 to 5,500 lux of light; this covers the entire light spectrum, excluding for UV light. For a greater effect, patients using B.L.T. can use light boxes up to 10,000 lux, about the same brightness as broad daylight. Light Box users are advised to sit with a Light Box within 24 inches of their face for up to an hour each day depending on how bright their Light Box is. Alternatively, a light box may be set up near where one may be working or resting and be visible in their peripheral vision for the full effects of B.L.T. to take place. Caution must be exercised during use of a light box though, it is advised to not look directly into the light because retinal damage may occur. B.L.T has been shown to combat the lack of sunlight found within the winter months (Laura Leahy). A great example on the use of a light box is found on the critically acclaimed television series, Broad City. In season 4 episode 5, Ilana struggles with her Seasonal Affective Disorder and looks for a cure to her ailment. She decides to use a light box to attempt to lift her mood when falling into a depressive slump but due to improper use of her light box, its effectiveness decreases due to the improper technique. After the realization that the light box therapy wasn’t providing her the help she desired, she agrees to increase her dosage of antidepress
ants around winter to combat this instead (Broad City, Fox Entertainment).
Although antidepressants can help prevent or counteract S.A.D., it may cause other problems in those who take them. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRI’s, may cause a reliance on the drug, addiction, or bodily issues such as sexual impotence. Because of this, increasing one's dosages or being prescribed SSRI’s may be a better last choice for those who are unable or weary to take them. One can argue the use of a light-box for phototherapy or light therapy is the safest option, proving to help not just those suffering from SAD but those with depressive symptoms in general. In comparison, Light Box Therapy is helpful on its own and could be a safer option than taking medication in some instances. Taking Vitamin D in preparation of the upcoming months may be a viable option but can cause side effects if too much Vitamin D is taken, such as elevated blood levels, kidney failure, and even bone loss can occur if Vitamin D isn’t taken with caution.
The winter season can be extremly difficult for people who are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder. It isn’t great knowing you will feel a certain way during the great portion of a year, but it is nice to know there are multiple ways to treat one's individualistic needs and to know there are others who experience the same thing as you. Finding treatment for SAD, such as light-box therapy, might be difficult partially due in lack of mainstream representation, making it harder for those looking for ways to combat this. This could be helped by a more accurate representation of SAD in today's media, as Broad City clearly did when they showed a main character suffering from SAD and her search for ways to cope with it. If more shows or movies portrayed a more accurate depiction of how SAD effects those who suffer from it then finding an outlet or treatment would greatly help those who may not even recognize they suffer from SAD. For those who do suffer from SAD, solace can often be found in the comfort and struggles shared with those experiencing the same feelings. Perscribed treatments and home remedies for SAD should suffice, but there is no stigma around reaching out for help from others. Therapists will always be there for emotional support and can even recommend further treatments if necessary. In this day of age, it is more important than ever to seek help for mental illness, and with SAD being found in up to one fifth of the population, greater representation should be given and could get many people the help they deserve.
Works Cited
Jacobson, Abbi, and Ilana Glazer. “Broad City.†Season 4, episode 5.
Leahy, Laura G. "Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder." Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 55.11 (2017): 10-4. ProQuest. Web. 7 Nov. 2018.
Piotrowski, Nancy A. ..Ph. D., and Frank J. ..Ph. D. Prerost. “Seasonal Affective Disorder.†Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition), 2013. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.sunyacc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=86196274&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Melrose, Sherri. “Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches.†Depression Research And Treatment, vol. 2015, 2015, p. 178564. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1155/2015/178564.