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01-01-2007, 09:34 AM
BEWARE! IT’S TIME FOR SAD (SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of us
severely and perhaps 25% of us more mildly. Women and
young adults are more likely to suffer from it.
It’s a form of depression that, according to the National Mental
Health Association (NMHA), is a real illness with sometimes
severe symptoms. It’s worse in January and February, though
starts as early as September.
SAD is believed to be caused by melatonin, a sleep-related
hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin
production increases in the dark, so in the winter, when the
days are shorter and darker, production increases, causing
symptoms of depression.
SAD is extremely rare for people living within 30 degrees of the
Equator, where daylight hours are long and extremely bright.
The Symptoms?
Sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, depression, social
problems, anxiety, loss of libido, mood changes, and a
weakened immune system. For complete description, go here: http://www.sada.org.uk/symptoms.htm.
The Cure?
Light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, so for lighter
cases, get outside more, exercise outside, and arrange for
more light at work and at home.
Phototherapy has been helpful in more severe cases. A light
box can be used that emits very bright light through a filter.
Please check with your personal physician if you think you
have SAD.
About the Author : Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, cEQc
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of us
severely and perhaps 25% of us more mildly. Women and
young adults are more likely to suffer from it.
It’s a form of depression that, according to the National Mental
Health Association (NMHA), is a real illness with sometimes
severe symptoms. It’s worse in January and February, though
starts as early as September.
SAD is believed to be caused by melatonin, a sleep-related
hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin
production increases in the dark, so in the winter, when the
days are shorter and darker, production increases, causing
symptoms of depression.
SAD is extremely rare for people living within 30 degrees of the
Equator, where daylight hours are long and extremely bright.
The Symptoms?
Sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, depression, social
problems, anxiety, loss of libido, mood changes, and a
weakened immune system. For complete description, go here: http://www.sada.org.uk/symptoms.htm.
The Cure?
Light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, so for lighter
cases, get outside more, exercise outside, and arrange for
more light at work and at home.
Phototherapy has been helpful in more severe cases. A light
box can be used that emits very bright light through a filter.
Please check with your personal physician if you think you
have SAD.
About the Author : Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, cEQc