Adrenal Fatigue & Seasonal Affect Disorder

Adrenal fatigue and seasonal affective disorder are two conditions that cause fatigue. Though these disorders have different causes, the generalized exhaustion that is a symptom of adrenal fatigue could increase symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Adrenal Fatigue

• Adrenal fatigue describes the effects of underfunctioning adrenal glands. These glands, which are located above the kidneys, regulate hormones that help in many different bodily functions, especially response to stress. When they are not functioning correctly, the main symptom is a feeling of tiredness which is not easily relieved.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

• Adrenal Fatigue is caused by overstimulation of the adrenal glands. This may come from prolonged stress, chronic illness, or overuse of steroid medications.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

• The main symptom of seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is also fatigue. In this disorder, fatigue increases significantly during the fall and winter months and decreases in the spring and summer.

Possible Connections

• Although there is no scientifically demonstrated link between adrenal fatigue and seasonal affective disorder, Dr. James Wilson, an expert of adrenal fatigue, suggests that malfunctioning adrenal glands could make an individual more susceptible to other conditions that cause fatigue.

Corticotropin-releasing Hormone

• In addition, recent research at the National Institutes of Mental Health has found that patients who have SAD also react abnormally to Corticotropin-releasing hormone, a chemical that causes the adrenal glands to secrete corticosteroids. This may also suggest a link between the two disorders.

Treatment

• The treatments for adrenal fatigue and SAD are different. Adrenal fatigue is often treated with supplements and lifestyle changes. Treatments for SAD include light therapy and anti-depressants.