QUESTION: My 10-year-old daughter
gets upset and crabby in the winter months. In the summer she is a
happy child. But come October she flies off the handle at any little
thing and cries easily. I have heard of winter blues. Is this a seasonal
thing? What can I do to help her?
ANSWER: Your daughter may be experiencing
seasonal affective disorder, or a milder version of the "blues" brought
on by sensitivity to decreased sunlight. But do not stop short of
evaluating other factors, such as academic challenges at school, social
friendships, or other life stresses that she may be reacting to at
this time.
Dr. Norman Rosenthal, author of "Winter Blues" suggests
that this disorder is caused by a combination of factors including
shortened daylight, stress and genetic vulnerability. He estimates
that up to 14 percent of the population experiences some depression
as a result of decreased sunlight in the winter months.
Symptoms may be depression and lowered physical energy,
often resulting in increased irritability, angry outbursts, and crying
spells in some children. Others may respond with lethargy, a withdrawal
from activities, and poor concentration.
Some scientists view this disorder as a product of
a modern society that confines us indoors, in general, magnifying
the normal ebbs and flows of biochemical changes that occur with the
seasons, especially for those already vulnerable to stress.
The latest recommendation for treatment of this condition
requires sitting under a light box that emits 5 to 10 thousand lux
of ultra-violet filtered light for 40 minutes each morning. Hypothetically,
the light reduces the levels of the neurochemical, melatonin, naturally
awakening us from the sleep cycle as we get ready for our day's activities.
It is thought that the body's balance of neurochemicals, especially
melatonin levels that help regulate the sleep cycle, are disrupted
for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder. And while most
of us respond to artificial light, others do not, leaving their melatonin
at high levels during their wake cycle.
Aside from ordering a light box (about $300.) there
are several things you can do, if you feel your child is suffering
from a lack of sunshine.
