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Find us again! Moodletter provides information, hope and help to people living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and those who care for them. ©2006-2011 Deborah Wiig
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Seasonal
Affective Disorder More than just the winter blues |
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As the days become shorter, are you finding that you’re feeling gloomy, it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning and you just don't seem to have the energy to do much of anything? Perhaps you felt the same way at this time last year. If that’s you, you could have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Six percent of American adults do. Another 14 percent suffer from a milder form called "winter blues," when their mood, energy level, and productivity are lower than during the rest of the year. Women are more susceptible than men. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Symptoms can begin as early as September or as late as Christmas and last until spring. "Many people can predict almost to the week when they will begin to experience their symptoms," said Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the researcher who named the disorder. People living in northern areas may experience their symptoms earlier. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
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What causes it? Other research suggests that lack of serotonin, a brain chemical that seems to be triggered by sunlight, is the reason for winter depression. How is Seasonal Affective Disorder treated? Light therapy - regulated exposure to very bright light - has proven effective. Psychotherapy can be helpful as well as lifestyle changes. Medications are also prescribed to treat the disorder. Related articles Editor's note: Seasonal Affective disorder is sometimes referred to as SAD. If you do your own research on Seasonal Affective Disorder online, be aware that SAD is also used to identify Social Anxiety Disorder. Sources:
Page updated October 1, 2010 |
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If you suspect you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to your doctor. These symptoms can be confused with other medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome or viral infections like mononucleosis.