Seasonal Anxiety Disorder is a very common disorder in most people. Its occurrence is very high. A large number of people have suffered this disorder at some point in their lives. It can affect every aspects of a person’s life.
Signs and symptoms
The key signs are a tendency to be dull, in a state of fatigue and not willing to talk to anyone. People affected with seasonal anxiety disorder often feel in a low mood throughout their day. This then interferes with their work and prevents them from living a full life. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weakness and high temperature.
Causes of seasonal anxiety disorder
The key causes of seasonal anxiety disorder are a lack of bright light and warmth. This is why seasonal anxiety disorder often occurs in the winter months. A lack of sunlight can affect a person’s mood. This is because humans have evolved to need sunlight as a source of energy.
Other reasons are not spending enough time outdoors, lack of sleep and stress in general. These causes often create a compound effect whereby the symptoms appear suddenly with the onset of winter months.
Consequences of seasonal anxiety disorder
Sunlight is essential for the production of hormones which regulate mood. Sunlight is required for the production of vitamin D. Therefore a lack of sunlight in general leads to a deterioration of health. This is a major consequence of seasonal anxiety disorder. Other consequences include inability to move around and low interest in social activities.
Treatment of seasonal anxiety disorder
There are several medications which can be used to treat seasonal anxiety disorder. The common medications used for treating depression can also be used to treat seasonal anxiety disorder. These medications are known to improve the mood.
Other treatments include light therapy. In this method, a bright source of light is kept in the room of the patient. The patient receives the bright light, which in turn helps to reduce the symptoms of seasonal anxiety disorder.
Long term impact
Over a long period of time, seasonal anxiety disorder can affect the brain chemistry. This can lead to long term effects on behavior and psychology. This can affect performance in school and college and later in professional life.
Therefore it is imperative that seasonal anxiety disorder be treated as soon as possible. As soon as the symptoms start appearing, it is best to get a checkup done at a physician’s place. The physician will then provide the right guidance. The advice may require use of medications or it may be solved by light therapy.
Seasonal anxiety disorder is quite widespread but it is especially common in northern countries. Near the Arctic Circle, the winters are colder and longer. This leads to less sunlight. This in turn causes a higher rate of seasonal anxiety disorder among the population.
In conclusion, it can be said that seasonal anxiety disorder is a serious health problem which can be solved by recognizing the symptoms at the right time and taking the necessary actions.