When humans spend time away from the sun and its comforting warmth their moods and even outlooks on life may change. It is not unlikely for people who live in cold climates or places where the sun rarely shines to experience depression slightly more often. This is often deemed the “winter blues.”
In the 1980s the National Institutes of Mental Health did research studies that led to the discovery of seasonal affective disorder, sometimes commonly called seasonal depression. For some the onslaught of autumn and long drag of winter can trigger depression. Whereas in spring and summer new vegetative life can be a sign of hope, the fall and winter can infer the opposite. Those suffering from seasonal affective disorder usually experience this type of depression every year around the same time.
According to Psych Central females for the ages of 15 to 60 years old make up 60 percent of all seasonal affective disorder sufferers. The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are basically the same as for regular depression but can also include irritability, tiredness or low energy, problems getting along with other people, hypersensitivity to rejection, heavy feeling in the arms or legs, oversleeping, appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates, and weight gain according to the Mayo Clinic. Although it is less common, season affective disorder can also occur in spring and summer for some people. The most common treatment for seasonal affective disorder is either light therapy or a prescription of antidepressants.
Yet, a more recent study done by the Center for Disease Control seems to infer that seasonal affective disorder does not exist. The findings suggest that the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder is, not a form of depression but instead is a mood disorder. While certain patterns may arise at certain times of the year, the season and even temperature may have little to do with the effect on sufferers whereas light deprivation and the particular altitude the individuals are at can play significant roles.
It is important to remember that psychology is ‘still’ considered a pseudoscience that is under 140 years old. Therefore it should still be highly questioned especially when the consensus of psychologists are recommending that you shove harmful pills down your throat.
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