t is estimated that up to 14 percent of the population experiences some depression as a result of decreased sunlight in the winter months. In children, symptoms may range from lowered physical energy to angry outbursts.

Some experts view the condition, sometimes diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as a product of a modern society that confines us indoors.

“Approximately 40 percent of the children seen at Children’s for some form of depression have a seasonal affective-type disorder,” says Dr. Graham Emslie, a psychiatrist on the medical staff at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. “SAD most often affects children during the spring and fall seasons and coincides with light and dark changes during solstice time. Whether or not it actually has something to do with the seasons is still up for debate.”

Dr. Emslie says that winter blues is a generic term often used to describe getting overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season and by the chilliness of winter itself. “If winter blues becomes more serious and turns into a depression, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment from a mental health professional,” he says.

Pete Stavinoha, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist on staff at Children’s, says, “While seasonal depression tends to come and go, it is important to understand that any prolonged period of depression can have far-reaching effects on a child’s success and should be treated.”

Even temporary depression impacts how well children perform at school and how well they get along with other children. Depression also may impact how the entire family functions.

“The consequences of temporary depression can last far beyond the depression itself, which is a main reason that it is so important to treat this in children,” Dr. Stavinoha says.

What can I do to help?

• Give your child as much natural light as possible. Arrange to have your child sit by a window to absorb natural light while doing homework or other indoor activity.
• Reduce stress. Avoid rushing and keep schedules as simple as possible. Downtime is very important for children. Structure relaxation into your child’s day with music, quiet time and plenty of rest.
  
• Ensure plenty of sleep and a healthy diet. Experts recommend children get a full night’s sleep and avoid excess carbohydrates and sugars.
  
• Exercise. Keep your child physically active throughout the winter months. Indoor activities can be useful stress relievers. Physical exercise can release hormones and neurochemicals that may restore a body’s balance.

How do you know if it’s more than just the blues?

As many as six of every 100 people may have winter depression. Another 10 to 20 percent may have mild seasonal affective disorder. The risk of SAD decreases with age.

What is SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called winter depression. It usually begins in late fall or early winter and goes away by summer. A less common form of SAD, known as summer depression, usually begins in late spring or early summer. Many experts believe SAD is related to the changes in the amount of daylight.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

Although your child’s symptoms are clues to a diagnosis, not everyone with seasonal affective disorder has the same symptoms, and only your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. And, symptoms associated with SAD are similar to symptoms that occur in other types of depression. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Change in appetite
  
• Weight gain
  
• A heavy feeling in arms or legs
  
• A drop in energy level
  
• Fatigue
  
• A tendency to oversleep
  
• Difficult concentrating
  
• Irritability
  
• Increased sensitivity to social situations
  
• Avoidance of social situations

Can SAD be treated?

Yes. Winter depression is thought to be caused by a body’s reaction to lack of sunlight. Light therapy is one option for treating the condition. More aggressive treatments include antidepressant medications and behavioral therapy. Only your doctor can prescribe a treatment for your child’s particular condition.