For a doctor, diagnosing SAD correctly depends on whether the person has experienced winter depression and other symptoms of SAD for a minimum of two consecutive years, during the same season and whether or not those periods of depression were followed by periods without depression, while also ruling out other explanations for the changes in mood. Rates of those with SAD are higher in people who live at higher altitudes and occur more often in younger people; typically beginning when a person is in their twenties.
Some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder that a person may experience include a change in eating habits, a change in sleeping patterns, loss of interest in activities they would normally take part in and even overwhelming fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to cure. From late September to December, these are the months when one or more of these symptoms may appear and for many, the symptoms get even worse as January drags on. Yet anyone suffering from this type of seasonal depression knows that their symptoms will disappear with the glorious days of spring, when the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter.
When you speak with your doctor, he or she should do a complete physical exam and go over your medical history. It is absolutely critical that you share your history and information with your doctor. You should follow his or her recommendations exactly so that you have a better chance of getting through the fall and winter months without the symptoms of SAD recurring. Your doctor will more than likely ask lots of questions pertaining to your moods, whether you have seasonal changes in thoughts and behaviors, what your lifestyle and social situation is like and inquire about your sleeping and eating patterns as well.
Light therapy is a fairly new therapy used for people who have SAD. It has been tested and compared to other medical treatments and it has been found that over half of participants responded better to light treatments than they did to medical intervention therapy. The big plus of a light treatment is that it is natural, with the benefit of no side effects to worry about, as is often the case with pharmaceutical drugs.
There are many types of depressive conditions that can mimic the symptoms of SAD. If going to see a counselor is not possible, then phone therapy and online therapy are also available. Whichever way you need to do it, do what it takes to get the help you need. SAD affects thousands of people every year and can often times be helped by seasonal affective disorder lamps, as well as medicinal therapies, dietary changes and exercise.
To learn more about the signs and treatment of all types of depression, visit Depression Help.