Nebraska experts warn of seasonal affective disorder in children during winter

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Seasonal affective disorder impacts 10 million Americans yearly, according to Health Research Funding.

CHI Health’s Michael Pella says there are many factors that can cause the disorder.

“It can be the change, or it can be the location of the individual,” Pella said. “Usually people that live in the northern part of the United States, where it’s colder, can affect children more.”

Due to the lack of research on prevention, Pella said help comes in the form of light therapy or prescribed medications.

Pella says parents should heed their child’s patterns, before assessing whether or not to seek additional help.

“Just because their moods have changed doesn’t automatically mean that they have a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder,” he said. “But if they noticed changes in normal behavior like sleep, eating, their moods, then either check with primary care provider physician or contact a mental health specialist.”