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This week’s article covers the following question:

My son (age 9) seems to suffer from SAD. Is this common in kids with ASD/HFA? What can be done (other than SSRIs)?

An extensive review of the current literature does not reveal a connection between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD) or high functioning autism (HFA). However, that does not rule out the possibility that there may be one. Obviously, further research needs to be performed to determine if SAD is linked to ASD/HFA.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD, is caused by sunlight deprivation, which, in turn, can cause a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance can lead to feelings of sadness or symptoms of depression.

The symptoms of SAD appear during the winter months, beginning in September or November and continuing through March or April. A diagnosis of SAD is usually made after three or more consecutive winters when the following symptoms occur:

Depression, including feelings of misery, guilt and loss of self-esteem, sometimes hopelessness and despair, or apathy and lack of emotion;

Anxiety and tension and the inability to tolerate stress;

Decreased libido and disinterest in physical contact, intimacy, and sexual activity;

Eating disorders, such as craving sweets and carbohydrates, weight gain;

Lethargy, a feeling of fatigue and the inability to carry out a normal, daily routine;

Mood swings followed by periods of hypomania (over activity);

Sleep disorders such as oversleeping, difficulty in staying awake or asleep, sleep disturbances; and ocial problems, such as irritability and a desire to avoid social contact.

Most sufferers show signs of a weakened immune system during the winter months, and this makes them more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.

A very popular method of treating SAD is the use of light therapy. Research has shown that light therapy is an effective treatment for SAD about 50% of the time. Specially designed lighting is used in the home, and the person with SAD is exposed to the lighting for a daily period of time. Whether this treatment will benefit someone with AS remains to be seen.

There are two types of light therapy treatment. The first is bright light treatment. The person with SAD sits in front of the light for a specified time period. The second type is dawn stimulation. This therapy takes place while the person is asleep. A low-intensity light source is set to turn on in the morning, before the person wakes up. This light gradually increases in brightness as time passes. Many people prefer the passive experience of dawn stimulation because it is more convenient and less intrusive than bright-light treatment. It may be more appropriate for AS sufferers.

In addition to light therapy, a person with SAD can spend more time outdoors in the daylight hours, thereby increasing exposure to the healing effects of natural light.

Currently, research is continuing to determine the most effective way to use light therapy. In addition, medications and counseling may also be used to treat your child for SAD. Treatment for SAD doesn’t cure seasonal depression, but it can help relieve your child’s symptoms.

As with any illness, check with your child’s doctor and a psychiatrist before trying any treatment.

Have a great day

Dave Angel