Many of my patients are now feeling the effects of our long drawn-out winter weather.
The days are already short at this time of year, and as daylight wanes people become sluggish and depressed.
Seasonal affective disorder or SAD affects one in 10 people -- and these winter blues can be a serious problem.
Fortunately, there can be a simple solution.
Studies show the neurotransmitters in the brain are not affected by weather conditions but by latitude. Countries further north get shorter days -- and less light.
Counselling and anti-depressants can treat SAD -- but research reveals light therapy is just as effective.
"[Those suffering from SAD are] eating more, they're gaining weight and these are all symptoms that we see in clinical depression that only occurs in the wintertime. We don't know exactly why people get this but we do know that there are some brain neurotransmitters that have seasonal changes in metabolism," said Dr. Raymond Lam of the University of British Columbia's Mood Disorders Centre.
He describes it as being similar to jetlag "in that their biological clocks may be running slow."
Some studies suggest that light therapy may help the milder winter blues, too. As many as 15 per cent of folks can regularly feel down during the winter months -- not as severe as the seasonal disorder, but there can still be food craving, fatigue and difficulty getting out of bed. If this is the case, see your healthcare professional for a checkup to rule out other medical conditions, and talk over the idea of light therapy.
Treatment involves sitting in front of a light box.
"Two-thirds of people with this condition, sitting in front of a light box, or a light book for 30 minutes every morning really alleviates their symptoms," said Dr. Lam.
Results come quickly -- usually within 4 to 7 days.
Researchers are also investigating light therapy to treat bipolar disorder.
Effective light boxes have become so popular -- they're readily available at drug stores and Costco.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
