People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to be at higher risk for developing mood disorders, such as major depression; however, one mood disorder that is not as frequently talked about is seasonal affective disorder. No studies have examined the frequency which SAD occurs in PTSD. However, given that people with PTSD may be more likely to develop mood disorders in general, if you have PTSD, it is important to keep an eye out for symptoms of SAD.
The Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder where a person experiences periods of depression that are connected to seasonal changes in the amount of sunlight available. People with seasonal affective disorder often feel worst when the days are the shortest (January-February). In addition, people who live up north may be especially at risk for seasonal affective disorder.
The Potential Impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder on Your PTSD
The frequency with which seasonal affective disorder occurs in PTSD is not entirely clear. However, given that depression is quite common among people with PTSD, it wouldn't be surprising if people with PTSD are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder than those without PTSD.
In addition, if you have PTSD, the presence of seasonal affective disorder can be serious. The depression associated with seasonal affective disorder may make certain PTSD symptoms worse.
For example, seasonal affective disorder may increase the severity of avoidance symptoms. It may make it more difficult for you to find pleasure in activities that you once enjoyed. You may feel more distant from others or find it hard to experience positive feelings, such as happiness and joy. The depression that comes with seasonal affective disorder may also make certain hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD worse, especially problems sleeping.
Getting Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Given that seasonal affective disorder can make your PTSD symptoms worse, it is very important to address it. Fortunately, if you experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, treatment is quite straightforward: increase the amount of light you are exposed to, especially in the morning.
This can be accomplished by going for a walk in the morning (which can also be a form of behavioral activation that may be helpful for PTSD, as well as depression).
There are also devices available for purchase that are small enough to sit on your desk or a table that provide a continuous amount of flourescent light. These are called light boxes. Although there is some debate about the type of light that is most useful, one type of light box that has been found to be effective in treating SAD emits a level of 10,000 lux and it is to be used for 30 minutes daily right when you wake up. This light box uses a group of high-output fluorescent bulbs that are filtered to eliminates all UV radiation (as a safety measure). You can read more about this light box, as well as other light boxes for SAD, in this article from the About.com Guide to Depression.
Finally, there are some basic coping skills for depression that may also lessen some of your symptoms of depression, especially if you have PTSD. You can read more about these coping skills in this article.
Source:
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th ed. Washington, DC: Author.
Terman, M., Terman, J.S., & Ross, D.C. (1998). A controlled trial of bright light and negative air ionization for treatment of winter depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, 875-882.
