Research conducted by the independent Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences indicate that prevalence of seasonal depression in women is 3 times more than in men, said Dr. Majid Abhari, a social pathologist.
Secretion of melatonin (sleep hormone) is dramatically affected by light. Therefore, waking up before daylight and returning home when it’s dark and shorter length of daytime in autumn, can increase the secretion of the hormone in the brain and cause dizziness and lack of energy during the day, Mehr news agency reported.
The symptoms of the disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), including depression especially among women, begins around late October and usually ends late March, Abhari added.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.
