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| Does the cold weather mean more cases of seasonal affective disorder? | Does the cold weather mean more cases of seasonal affective disorder? |
| (4 months later) | |
| It was the coldest March in 50 years and Britons face more unseasonably cold weather as winds, frost, snow and ice continue to linger. Could it mean more cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? | It was the coldest March in 50 years and Britons face more unseasonably cold weather as winds, frost, snow and ice continue to linger. Could it mean more cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? |
| The NHS cannot say, and while its NHS Choices website says it may affect as many as 2 million people, psychologists contacted by the Guardian on Friday had differing views even on its existence. | The NHS cannot say, and while its NHS Choices website says it may affect as many as 2 million people, psychologists contacted by the Guardian on Friday had differing views even on its existence. |
| Theories as to what causes SAD include lack of sunlight affecting levels of hormones in the part of the brain controlling mood, sleep and appetite – people's circadian rhythms. Genetic and psychological factors, childhood neglect or abuse, and relationships with other people, have also been associated with the condition. | Theories as to what causes SAD include lack of sunlight affecting levels of hormones in the part of the brain controlling mood, sleep and appetite – people's circadian rhythms. Genetic and psychological factors, childhood neglect or abuse, and relationships with other people, have also been associated with the condition. |
| Zoubida Guernina, an NHS psychologist, said SAD could prove difficult for those already experiencing problems such as employment worries, loss or bereavement. "There is evidence that shows that when it is grey and very cold, people get extremely depressed. Obviously people get more affected if they have internal issues, psychological problems." | Zoubida Guernina, an NHS psychologist, said SAD could prove difficult for those already experiencing problems such as employment worries, loss or bereavement. "There is evidence that shows that when it is grey and very cold, people get extremely depressed. Obviously people get more affected if they have internal issues, psychological problems." |
| Alexander Gardner, a psychologist in Scotland, whose daughter has SAD, said: "There might be a simple, logical, rational reason why people are not, in a sense, looking after themselves." Those who would normally "go out in the sunshine, sit in the garden or go for a stroll in the park" have found it "too bloody cold." | Alexander Gardner, a psychologist in Scotland, whose daughter has SAD, said: "There might be a simple, logical, rational reason why people are not, in a sense, looking after themselves." Those who would normally "go out in the sunshine, sit in the garden or go for a stroll in the park" have found it "too bloody cold." |
| Gardner, who described himself as "off the wall", also suggested not enough people were looking at the role of positive ions and building sickness – caused by factors such as artificial carpets or lack of plants. | Gardner, who described himself as "off the wall", also suggested not enough people were looking at the role of positive ions and building sickness – caused by factors such as artificial carpets or lack of plants. |
| Norwegian Roderick Orner, a visiting professor at the University of Lincoln, thought SAD was seductive but spurious. "I have not known anyone say to me I am feeling worse because the cold is continuing into April … It says to people: 'If you are feeling a bit sad and depressed and dissatisfied during winter, it is all down to the weather,'" said Orner. "Weather is a minor factor in my opinion. It is much more challenging to say to people 'If you are feeling so bad, in winter, look at what is going on in your life.'" | Norwegian Roderick Orner, a visiting professor at the University of Lincoln, thought SAD was seductive but spurious. "I have not known anyone say to me I am feeling worse because the cold is continuing into April … It says to people: 'If you are feeling a bit sad and depressed and dissatisfied during winter, it is all down to the weather,'" said Orner. "Weather is a minor factor in my opinion. It is much more challenging to say to people 'If you are feeling so bad, in winter, look at what is going on in your life.'" |
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