People with lupus who also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are in a unique position. One of the standard treatments for SAD is light therapy – but people with lupus are urged to stay away from light because they typically suffer from photosensitivity. So what are they to do?
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A form of depression, SAD is triggered by a change of seasons, typically to winter when gray skies prevail and people are exposed to less sunlight – and when there is sun, it’s for a shorter length of time. Summer-onset depression does exist, but it is less common.
It is thought that more than half a million people in the U.S. suffer from SAD, with another 10% to 20% coping with milder forms of the condition. It tends to be more common in women, as well as those over 20 years old. Interestingly, SAD becomes less of a risk –- or less prevalent -– in later years.
There are some usual symptoms of SAD, though people do not always show the same symptoms. Interesting with SAD is that symptoms tend to return and go away at the same times each year. Some more common clues include:
- Change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Oversleeping
- Irritability and anxiety
- Wanting to avoid social occasions
- General apathy
Standard treatment for SAD is light therapy, since the cause is believed to be the body’s reaction to a lack of sunlight. Those that partake in light therapy will sit in front of a light box or wear a light visor for a certain portion of the day -– typically somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour. When used properly, light therapy has very few side effects, but can cause mild effects, such as headaches, eyestrain and fatigue.
SAD and lupus
Unfortunately, most people with lupus are advised to avoid ultraviolet light because of real or possible photosensitivity, which can damage skin and possibly trigger flares. And in many cases, the light used in SAD therapy is ultraviolet.
So what to do? In some cases, those affected with SAD can treat their illness with medication or other forms of treatment for depression, such as changes in diet, exercise, even psychological therapy.
But consult with your doctor for the best treatment option. Your doctor may opt to weigh the risks of triggering a flare versus the benefits of light therapy, depending on the severity of a patient’s SAD and the person’s level of photosensitivity.
Sources: General Questions About Lupus Lupus Foundation of America. December 2008.
Seasonal Affective Disorder. American Academy of Family Physicians. July 2008.
