Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) psych 101

[almaty 19]

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year. If you get depressed in the winter but feel much better in spring and summer, you may have SAD.

Anyone can get SAD, but it is more common in:

People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.

Women.

People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.

People who have a close relative with SAD.

What causes SAD?

Experts are not sure what causes SAD, but they think it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light may upset your sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythms. Or it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood.

What are the symptoms?

If you have SAD, you may:

Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.

Lose interest in your usual activities.

Eat more and crave carbohydrate, such as bread and pasta.

Gain weight.

Sleep more and feel drowsy during the daytime.

Symptoms come and go at about the same time each year. For most people with SAD, symptoms start in September or October and end in April or May.

How is SAD diagnosed?

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between depression and SAD, because many of the symptoms are the same. To diagnose SAD, your doctor will want to know if:

You have been depressed during the same season and have gotten better when the seasons changed for at least 2 years in a row.

You have symptoms that often occur with SAD, such as being very hungry (especially craving carbohydrate), gaining weight, and sleeping more than usual.

A close relative—a parent, brother, or sister—has had SAD.

How is it treated?

Doctors often prescribe light therapy to treat SAD. There are two types of light therapy:

Bright light treatment. For this treatment, you sit in front of a "light box" for half an hour or longer, usually in the morning.

Dawn simulation. For this treatment, a dim light goes on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise.

Light therapy works well for most people with SAD, and it is easy to use. You may start to feel better within a week or so after you start light therapy. But you need to stick with it and use it every day until the season changes. If you don't, your depression could come back.

Other treatments that may help include:

Antidepressants. These medicines can improve the balance of brain chemicals that affect mood.

Counseling. Some types of counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help you learn more about SAD and how to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor prescribes antidepressants, be sure you take them the way you are told to. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. This could cause side effects or make your depression worse. When you are ready to stop, your doctor can help you slowly reduce the dose to prevent problems.

You may feel better if you get some exercise most days of the week. Being active during the daytime, especially first thing in the morning, may help you have more energy and feel less depressed. Gentle exercise such as walking, riding a stationary bike, or swimming is a good way to get started.

[HAL 9000 96]

Thanks Dr Dean!

[almaty 19]

no problemo, brother hal..even the 9000 gets the blues sometimes,.,,

[MichelleN 0]

What about those of us who look forward to the dreary cold days of winter? Are do we have SAD on the opposite end of the spectrum? ;D

[SpiritAlight 1]

"Women."

:lol:

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Thanks for the good read almaty. I wondered people got SADD was because god just doesn't like them, thanks for clearing that up

[Amby 490]

did I read somewhere that using a tanning bed a bit each week helps or am I just dreaming that sh*t up?

[SpiritAlight 1]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Actually a few women I know have bought sunlamps.

I may get one too!

B)

That and go to Florida for as much as possible this Winter.

I am going in a week and a half!

did I read somewhere that using a tanning bed a bit each week helps or am I just dreaming that sh*t up?

True!

Thanks for the good read almaty. I wondered people got SADD was because god just doesn't like them, thanks for clearing that up

You're killing me.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

did I read somewhere that using a tanning bed a bit each week helps or am I just dreaming that sh*t up?

We have what is called a "sun light lamp" (I think) that you use every day for 20-30 minutes. Not a tanning lamp; but something smaller. Also crank up the vitamin D intake to 4,000 units a day.

[almaty 19]

Thanks for the good read almaty. I wondered people got SADD was because god just doesn't like them, thanks for clearing that up

also, i should have added.. a well noted and documented fact...

God hates those who are inflicted with SADD..sorry hermana

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Thanks for the good read almaty. I wondered people got SADD was because god just doesn't like them, thanks for clearing that up

also, i should have added.. a well noted and documented fact...

God hates those who are inflicted with SADD..sorry hermana

I knew it. That's why I fired "that" God and hired a new one that works well with Vista and SADD.

[HAL 9000 96]

no problemo, brother hal..even the 9000 gets the blues sometimes,.,,

Exceedingly true, Dr. Dean. Woe unto thee if ye have to witness me singing 'Daisy.'

[Cassie 8]

My uncle and cousin are affected by SAD, they have special lamps and lights they use to counteract the effects.

[MissStacey 1]

I always hated fall in Alberta- it was so gray and depressing. That was the time of year I usually started tanning in the beds- it perked me up and I loved the warmth.

[Ban Hammer 13,344]

i don't get this sad stuff. after all, during the fall there is egg nog. and i just got a new bottle of wild turkey.