FAQ: Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) | ourskinny

For some, the winter blues are black as night.

Let?s face it: most of us get a little down at some point during the winter months.

Beginning with the holidays, we tend to overindulge and many of us are not as active, in part because the days are so short. It?s no fun to go to work in the dark and then, again, it?s dark by the time you leave the office.

With that said, it is important to distinguish the let down after the holidays?winter blues?from a mental health disease known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a mood disorder that occurs in some people during certain times of the year.

These individuals have normal mental health during most of the year but experience depression during a specific season, most commonly winter.

Unsurprisingly, S.A.D. is more prevalent in colder climates with less sunlight than those with warmer climates.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Depressed mood: feeling down, hopeless, and apathetic.
• Anxiety: feeling overwhelmed/tense/stressed and unable to complete tasks.
• Sleep Disturbances: oversleeping or inability to sleep.
• Fatigue: no energy.
• Appetite: overeating (weight gain) or anorexia (weight loss); craving sweet and high carbohydrate foods.
• Sex: lack of desire.
• Social avoidance: irritability or no interest in social activities.

Quick Facts
Three out of four sufferers of S.A.D. are women between the ages of 18 and 30. The disorder is most common in the northern and southern hemispheres but is extremely rare in those living within 30 degrees latitude of the equator.

Although the causes of S.A.D. are as yet unknown, most speculate it is due to a lack of sunlight. Being away from the sun can alter our sleep/wake cycle. Basically, most researchers think the disorder is a combination of lack of sunlight paired with differences in brain chemicals.

Diagnosis and Treatment
To meet diagnostic criteria for this disorder, depression must be present only during a specific season or time of the year, and the individual must have had at least two episodes over a two year period of time.

85% of patients respond to photo/light therapy.

This therapy consists of spending up to 4 hours a day under light. Your medical provider can help you locate a place to purchase the light box. Milder symptoms respond to spending one hour daily outside when sunny.

Vitamin D supplementation may also help with symptoms although the studies have shown mixed results.

Exercise and following a well-balanced diet will help as well (and that?s the best prescription for the more common ?winter blues? as well).

Severe cases of S.A.D. may require medication or psychotherapy.

We can help!
If you are getting down, losing some weight is always a good way to cheer up, and we can help you get a jumpstart on spring (which surely must follow). Of course, if you are in Savannah you can come see us at Ourlife Weight Loss & Fitness.

Regardless, is extremely important that you follow a well balanced diet, continue to exercise, and make sure to get your rest!

- Elizabeth Brennan, PA-C

For more information:
Society for Light Treatment
PO Box 591687
San Francisco, CA
94159-1687

Source: http://www.ourskinny.com/faq/faq-seasonal-affective-disorder-s-a-d/

denver nuggets correspondents dinner i am legend san antonio spurs greta van susteren tony parker the five year engagement