protracted darkness and the knowledge that the year is drawing to a close and with it a sense of the passing of time.
For others, it may be the beginnings of yet another episode of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In Europe this condition begins around now, although in the United States it is delayed until around January.
This is not a new condition and for millennia there has been speculation that our moods were to some extent determined by the season. It was only in the 1980s that significant research was directed to this area, stimulated by the finding that those with winter depression showed a response to light therapy, also called phototherapy.
Studies now show that up to six per cent of adults in the US with depression have the seasonal form, although consistently lower rates of around three per cent are described in Europe. Overall the prevalence of SAD is highest in Arctic countries, with over 10pc fulfilling the diagnostic criteria, although Iceland seems to be exempt from this, possibly due to some form of genetic protection.
A less common variety, called reverse SAD, shows the opposite pattern, with an onset in summer, although it is much less the focus of research and far less common than the winter type.
Those with SAD typically describe low mood, low levels of energy, irritability and anxiety, symptoms that are common in all types of depression. However, SAD is distinguished from the more common form of depression by excessive sleeping, carbohydrate craving and over eating.
These symptoms begin in or around November and resolve spontaneously in or around March. This resolution may be gradual or abrupt and feature a short spell of elation and over-activity.
In spite of the obvious freedom from symptoms during the late spring and summer months, up to 10pc of those with winter depression become ill enough to need admission to hospital during the peak of their episode.
Melatonin
As to its cause, the prospect that it is due to alterations in melatonin, the time-keeper hormone, have not been confirmed although this theory is still under investigation. Similar to other types of depression, various neuro-chemicals are under investigation.
A family history of depression has been observed in the close relatives of some with this condition, suggesting a genetic component.
While light therapy is one of the recommended treatments, many find the two or more hours sitting under a special light inconvenient and even prohibitive. The wattage of the light is 10 times higher than the usual light bulb and sunglasses must not be worn since the light is delivered through the eyes and not the skin. The treatment requires a special light box which can be purchased from a medical supplier -- all of which add to the inconvenience.
As well as light therapy, or sometimes in preference to it, many require antidepressants before the predicted onset of symptoms, which are discontinued when they have resolved. Winter sun holidays may help a little, as may carrying out activities during daylight hours.
Because of the seasonal context in which SAD develops, it may often be overlooked and suffered in silence, assuming that it is the understandable gloom at having to face the wretched November evenings.
Mind & Meaning: Tis the season to feel sad . Dr Norman E Rosenthal, a physician and psychiatrist, migrated from South Africa to New York and wondered why he had become so sluggish during the winter months.
He began experimenting with exposure to artificial light and in 1984, when he found that it was beneficial, coined the name Seasonal Affective Disorder. HTML clipboard
Thanks to his serendipitous discovery, hope and an effective treatment has been delivered to many who would otherwise be in a state of emotional hibernation and physical shutdown during these dreary months.( @Independent News )
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