Understanding the Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Sufferers may present any or all of :-

* depression,
* sleep problems,
* lethargy,
* overeating,
* loss of concentration,
* social problems,
* anxiety,
* loss of libido,
* mood problems.

Usually, a diagnosis is based on 3 consecutive winters of the same symptoms.

It is seasonal in nature, with onset in the autumn and usually complete disappearance in the spring. If present all the year round then a medical practitioner should be consulted, as clinical depression may well be indicated.

Cause

There seems to be general agreement that SAD is basically caused by changing hours of sunlight and lower levels of daylight intensity.

In scientific terms, it is the disruption of the body’s clock - known as the circadian rhythm. There are various theories as to how this affects the body:

* One theory is that it causes a reduction in the brain’s production of melatonin – this chemical governs sleep.
* Another theory involves the reduced production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and governs our mood.
* Altered Dopamine levels – this also affects mood.

The next post will deal with the best approaches to living with the condition - treatments and therapies.