Seasonal affective disorder, also called SAD, is a type of depression that occurs when daylight hours shorten as winter approaches. SAD is more common in young adults and older teenagers, but can also affect children and young teenagers, according to KidsHealth. Increasing exposure to light can help reduce the symptoms of SAD.
Time Frame
Symptoms of SAD may begin in October or November and subside in March or April, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Some people may notice symptoms even earlier in the year, while others may not experience symptoms until later in the winter.
Symptoms
KidsHealth reports that SAD symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the child. You may notice that your child is irritable, moody, sad or more sensitive to criticism. He may be more critical of himself and may feel worthless. Children who have SAD may lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as sports, reading or scouts. You may notice that your child is often tired and has trouble waking up for school in the morning. Difficulty concentrating can accompany fatigue, making completing school work difficult. Other symptoms of SAD may include overeating, eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates and spending more time alone than usual.
Risk Factors
Females are more likely to suffer from SAD than males. Many people who have SAD report that at least one close relative has a psychiatric disorder, such as a severe depressive disorder or alcohol abuse, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Treatment
Increasing exposure to sunlight, whether through natural or artificial means, can help improve depression caused by SAD. Your doctor may recommend light therapy if your child has SAD. During light therapy, your child wears a light visor or sits in front of a special light for approximately 30 minutes every day. Light therapy should continue until natural daylight hours increase, according to FamilyDoctor.org, because stopping therapy too early can cause symptoms to recur. Using a timer on your child's bedroom light may also help relieve symptoms. The timer turns on lights gradually during dark mornings. If your child suffers from severe SAD, your doctor may recommend talk therapy and treatment with antidepressant medication.
Considerations
You can help your child reduce SAD symptoms by ensuring that she spends ample time outdoors. If she doesn't want to play outside during winter months, suggest a family walk. Providing healthy snacks can prevent the sluggish feeling that may occur if your child eats too many snacks high in sugar or carbohydrates. While your child is suffering from SAD, she may need more help with homework, due to problems with concentration. KidsHealth recommends encouraging your child to go to bed at the same time every night to achieve maximum benefit of daytime light.
