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MONTGOMERY – Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer wants to tell Alabamians about a unique condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The condition is marked by symptoms of depression which follow a seasonal pattern. "The majority of people with SAD experience symptoms during the winter months, with those symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. However, evidence of SAD occurring during the summer months does exist," Sawyer said. "Physicians believe this condition may be related to changes in the amount of daylight associated with the seasons." The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that as many as four to six percent of the population may have SAD. The disorder is about four times more common in women than in men. "It is important during the hectic holiday season to pay attention to your body," Sawyer said. "Early diagnosis of SAD can result in a much faster recovery time." Symptoms of SAD can include a change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods; weight gain; a heavy feeling in the arms or legs; a drop in energy level; fatigue; a tendency to oversleep; difficulty concentrating; irritability; increased sensitivity to social rejection; and avoidance of social situations. "If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your health professional for diagnosis and treatment," Sawyer said. "It is important to remember that symptoms of SAD can, and often do, recur. They tend to come and go at about the same time every year. That’s why it is so important to pay attention to your body and take immediate action if you notice any of these symptoms," Sawyer said. Several types of therapeutic treatment are available to treat SAD. Light therapy is the process of timed exposure to a safe and healthy artificial light source for a fixed amount of time each day. "When used correctly, light therapy can work well and seems to have few negative side effects. However, tanning beds should not be used as light therapy, as they contain ultraviolet rays which can be harmful to skin and eyes," Sawyer said. More conventional forms of treatment may include medication, behavior therapy or a combination. For contact information for a mental health center in your community, contact the DMH/MR Bureau of Mental Illness Community Programs at (334) 242-3200 or visit the department’s web site at http://www.mh.state.al.us. For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder, try these Internet resources: The American Academy of Family Physicians The Mayo Clinic "On Health" by WebMD
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