Seasonal Affective Disorder

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As the long days of summer fade away with the warm weather, many of us start to feel blue. But, that sinking feeling may not be just a normal reaction to the approaching chill of winter - for millions, it\\\'s a form of major depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. More familiarly, SAD is also called the \\\"winter blues\\\".rnrnSeasonal affective disorder affects about 10 million Americans, and health officials estimate that another 25 million suffer from a mild form of SAD.rnrnIn the majority of cases seasonal affective disorder usually begin in October and lasting until March or April. Symptoms typically peak in the primary winter months of December, January and February.rnrnApproximately 75 to 80 percent of those who suffer from this illness are women. SAD doesn\\\'t typically affect people under 20 years old. To be officially diagnosed with SAD you must have had the symptoms for at least three consecutive years and the symptoms must decline in summer.rnrnTypical symptoms of SAD are quite similar to the symptoms of major depression. rnrnThey include:rnrn * depressed moodrn * oversleepingrn * hopelessnessrn * lack of energyrn * overeating (especially carbohydrates and sweets) and weight gainrn * guilty feelingsrn * memory or attention and focus problemsrn * thoughts of suicidalrn * social isolation or a lack of interest in social interactionrnrnOne of the key characteristics that distinguish this form of depression from other forms is an intense craving for carbohydrates or sweets. Symptoms also aren\\\'t related to any life event, such as job loss or loss of a loved one.rnWhat Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?rnrnDoctors aren\\\'t entirely sure, but the main theory is that a lack of sunlight is to blame. rnrnAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the long days of darkness in fall and winter affect melatonin secretion, which is controlled by the pineal gland in the brain.rnrnMelatonin is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle and other daily rhythms in the body, states the NIMH. When this hormone\\\'s production is affected in autumn and winter, it throws daily body rhythms out of sync and disrupts chemicals in the body that influence your mood, such as serotonin.rnTreatments for Seasonal Affective DisorderrnrnThe newest and most often recommended treatment for SAD is light therapy. rnrnThis treatment uses a box that emits light which approximates normal daylight. Without medication, this box alters the biochemistry in the brain by regulating the serotonin and melatonin, two crucial neurotransmitters that significantly influence emotions in the brain. By exposing your eyes (not your skin) to early morning light should influence modd and relive the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.rnFor the best results, the Mayo Clinic recommends choosing a light therapy box that:rnrn * is portablern * is designed specifically for treating SAD (not all are)rn * uses a UV-light filter to protect your eyes and skinrn * has a 10,000 lux intensity even at two feet awayrn * uses LED instead of fluorescent or incandescentrn * shines the light above your eyes, not directly at themrn * has a \\\"dawn simulator\\\"rnrnIt must be noted that light therapy boxes have been shown to have side effects, despite the fact that they usually those symptoms are often only short term. rnrnThese symptoms typically involve headaches, nausea, and vision problems. If you are wanting this type of treatment, be sure to discuss your options with your treating professional.rnMore ideas to help you overcome seasonal affective disorder:rnrn * Spend 10 - 15 minutes outside midday to soak up some rays of the sun and boost your body\\\'s natural production of vitamin D to increase serotonin levels in the brain;rn * Taking a melatonin supplement - try taking it around late monring, lunchtime or early afternoon to see which schedule gives you the most relief;rn * Taking a vitamin or mineral supplement (under medical supervision) such as a vitamin B complex, vitamin D, or iron;rn * Using a \\\"light therapy box\\\" at work to fight seasonal affective disorder if you don\\\'t have time to do it at home before getting put the door to get to work.rnrnDr. Marlene M. Maheu, a Licensed Psychologist, is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of one of the largest self-help & psychology portals, SelfhelpMagazine. More articles from this author are available at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/. Original article link: http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/article/seasonal-affective-disorder

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