Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Having trouble shaking those winter blues? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, it is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer,spring or autumn, repeatedly, year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is “a specifier of major depression”.

The US National Library of Medicine states that “some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up.”The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety. It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.

There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration, and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin. So if the winter blues are getting you down best to get out see the city and enjoy.It may not cure you but it beats staying home in misery.

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2 Responses to “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)”

1. SAD says:

   February 28, 2010 at 1:50 pm

   Alot of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder without knowing it. Productivity, a healthy diet, and exercise is what helps me personally.
2. seasonal blues says:

   April 1, 2010 at 4:29 am

   [...] read two posts this week that are excellent on that subject: How the Seasonal Blues Work by ChrisSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) | Manhattan StyleSo if the winter blues are getting you down best to get out see the city and enjoy.It may not cure [...]