The sun is not often associated with feelings of depression. However, the sun can affect chemicals in the brain, most notably melatonin, which is associated with depression. Seasonal affective disorder is a mental health diagnosis given to individuals who experience depression due to a decrease in the amount of sun they receive.
Facts
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV-TR, seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs during certain times of year, most commonly beginning in fall and ending in spring. Common behaviors that occur when a person has seasonal affective disorder are lack of energy, overeating, oversleeping and craving carbohydrates. Seasonal affective disorder is often referred to as the "winter blues."
Prevalence
Kids Health, a Nemours hospital network information site, estimates that 6 percent of the population experiences seasonal affective disorder at one point during their life. It can affect individuals of all ages but is more likely to occur in women, those with relatives who have mental illness and individuals who often experience depression. Individuals who live in high altitude locations are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder, reports the DSM-IV-TR. This is because during the winter in these geographic areas, the days are shorter and individuals are exposed to less sunlight.
Features
According to the Environmental Illness Resource, researchers have linked seasonal affective disorder to the chemical in the brain called melatonin. Melatonin's role is to induce sleep throughout the body. The brain begins to produce melatonin after the sun goes down. Its production occurs during the night hours, when an individual is supposed to sleep. When the sun rises, the brain stops producing melatonin, thus causing an individual to wake up in the morning. During winter months, the sun is out for less time, meaning the days are shorter days and the nights are longer. This causes the brain to produce melatonin for longer periods of time.
Identification
Individuals with seasonal affective disorder have higher levels of daytime melatonin during the winter months, due to shorter days and longer nights, reports the Environmental Illness Resource. This causes these individuals to be lethargic during the day, experience a decrease in motivation and want to sleep more often during daylight hours.
Warning
If you believe you are suffering from seasonal affective disorder, consult a psychiatrist or physician. A physician can clarify the causes of your depression and whether it is due to other factors besides melatonin. Do not try to diagnose yourself with seasonal affective disorder or any other type of mental illness.
References
- Teens Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- Environmental Illness Resource: Seasonal Affective Disorder
