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FIGHTING OFF THE WINTER
BLUES
SAD
(SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER)
Lisa M. Borelli LISW
borelli.3@osu.edu
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
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What is SAD?
Who gets SAD?
What causes SAD?
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment/Coping Skills
Resources
Questions
WHAT IS SAD?
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Mood disorder
Cyclic in nature
Daylight is shorter
October – April
Prominent in January/February
WHO GETS SAD?
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Dr. Norm Rosenthal – NIMH
Young adult population
More in women than men – ¾ of dx
Average onset is age 23
Areas in northern hemispheres
Mild winter SAD – 25%
Severe SAD – 5%
THEORIES ABOUT SAD
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Overproduction of melatonin
Serotonin wanes in winter
Eye sensitivity in dim light
Body clock disruption
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
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Low energy
Fatigue
Appetite changes
Sleep changes
Poor focus
Irritability
Fall onset or Spring
onset
• Anger
• Lowered sex drive
• Carbohydrate
cravings
• Decrease in interest
in daily activities
• Symptoms subside in
spring/summer
months
TREATMENT/COPING SKILLS
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Counseling
Medication – SSRI’S
Light therapy
Exercise
Wake/Sleep cycles
Support
• Nutrition
• Decrease alcohol
use
• Spend time
outdoors
• Education/Family
• Stress Management
• Physician consult
RESOURCES
• Ohio State Employee Assistance
Program 800-678-6265
• www.osuhealthplan.com/OhioStateEAP
• OSU HEALTH PLAN 614-292-4700
www.osuhealthplan.com
• www.webMD.com
• www.nmha.org
QUESTIONS
• Ohio State Employee Assistance
Program 800-678-6265
• Lisa M. Borelli LISW
borelli.3@osu.edu