Seasonal+Affective+Disorder+(SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

 Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder in which people that have typical psychological health during most of the year suffer from depressive symptoms in a particular, most commonly winter. A form of SAD that has its depressive phase in the summer rather than winter is rare.

 SYMPTOMS:  Known symptoms of SAD include depression, anxiety, loss of sexual interest, abnormal menstruation, suicidal thoughts, withdraw and reduced energy levels.    CAUSES:  The causes of SAD are unknown with possible factors being hormone or neurotransmitter dysfunction and lack of ambient light. The disorder may be genetic or environmental and there are also links to cultural factors. It is not common for SAD to be prevalent throughout families.

PUBLIC PERCEPTION: SAD is also referred to as the "winter blues" or "winter depression." SAD is often associated with colder climates where d

aylight hours are minimal. Studies show a correlation between arctic climates and increased rates of SAD in a population.

 TREATMENTS:

 Treatments include medication of antidepressants such as Prozac, Seroxat and Lustral. Cognitive behavioral therapy also known as counseling is another form of treatment. Light therapy, which exposes subjects to daylight or specific waves of light, is also

used to treat SAD. Finally, the hormone melatonin which

 is normally produced by reactions with sunlight, can be administered as a supplement.  <timothymcveighthedeliberatesoldier.net> <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> <myanxietycure.com> <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH SAD: <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> SAD is also associated with Bipolar Disorder where people with SAD experience depression during the winter and hypomania during the summer.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Works Cited

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Chang, Anne. "Seasonal Affective Disorder." Magill's Medical Guide. Pasadena, CA: Salem, 2008. 2417-418. Print.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">"Seasonal Affective Disorder - PubMed Health." Web. 15 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002499/>.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">"Seasonal Affective Disorder." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder>.