January 03, 2006
Genesis Psychology Associates Sheds Light On Seasonal Affective Disorder
Davenport, IA – If your mood is as dark as the gray, winter skies and you feel as if you’re living the lyrics of a B.B. King song, it may help to shed some light on your daily life.
An estimated 14 million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder as the hours of available daylight diminish in winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that is highly treatable, according to Steve Kopp, Ph.D, psychologist with Genesis Psychology Associates, Davenport.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder is very real for people who experience it. Many people go through it every winter and call it ‘the winter blues,’ but it’s more than that,’’ said Dr. Kopp, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. “SAD is a subset of depression disorders.’’
Not unlike other species of the animal kingdom, humans experience physical and behavioral changes as daylight hours grow shorter. For some people, Dr. Kopp said SAD becomes a human version of hibernation.
“Some of the symptoms are fatigue, sleeping more, exercising less, weight gain, irritability and a general malaise,’’ he said. “Sex drives also can diminish.
“What sometimes happens is that someone in the family notices that the person with SAD is grouchy and just isn’t feeling well. Maybe the person is sleeping in more and is skipping work. Someone suggests, ‘maybe you should talk to someone about it.’ It’s not unusual at this time of the year to see patients whom we diagnose with SAD.’’
Dr. Kopp said an increase in exercise, a healthy diet and a consistent sleep pattern can help SAD sufferers. In more severe cases, phototherapy or anti-depressants may be recommended.
Light or phototherapy is suggested as a replacement for daylight lost during the winter. Kopp said there are many phototherapy products available. Phototherapy units that shine at 2,500 to 10,000 lux – lux is the metric unit of measure for illuminance of a surface – are suggested. White fluorescent lighting is recommended.
Genesis Psychology Associates has light boxes available if phototherapy is recommended.
“Often the diagnosis is a relief to individuals with SAD. They now understand their winter blues,’’ Dr. Kopp added. “However, with our busy schedules and dreary weather, many struggle to find the motivation to change. For those individuals, several treatment options are available.’’
Statistically, Dr. Kopp said women are four times more likely to be affected with SAD than men. Younger adults – mid-20s through 30s – are also more susceptible than other age groups.
Genesis Psychology Associates can be contacted at 563-355-2577.
