 |
An Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder-sad
Author: Craig Smith  | Posted: 01-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 13 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D. for short) is a very real health condition that millions of people suffer from. The onset of S.A.D. typically occurs in the last few months of the year, when in the northern hemisphere days become shorter and nights longer. Shorter days mean less hours of light. Seasonal Affective Disorder, is so named because this shift to shorter days and longer nights is a seasonal change that occurs in winter, and this shift to lesser amounts of light each day interferes with the brains ability to control moods in those suffering from the disorder.
Our brains, and especially the part of the brain responsible for moods, uses light, and hormones in the body to help in stabilizing our moods and the feelings we experience. For many, during the winter months when there are less hours of light, moods can become unstable, and depression and lethargy can set in. Although the brain can and does still manufacture the hormones that regulate moods, even with decreased amounts of available light for most of us, in some people, the brain is unable to do this when the amount of available light is low.
This is more than just a case of the "blahs" which we can all get from time to time. Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the impact it can have on the individuals suffering from this disorder can be severe. It can limit a person from being able to find enjoyment out of previously enjoyed activities, or to function on a normal basis. It can even lead to major depression, suicidal thoughts, and other issues that often the individual will need to be hospitalized for in order to receive treatments to re-stabilize moods.
You think that those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder must suffer from mood and other emotional disorders year round. In actuality, most of the people with S.A.D. do not exhibit or report symptoms of mood and other emotional disorders at any other time of the year except in winter, functioning normally during spring, summer, and fall. In fact, there are people whose moods are affected by too much light. In contrast to S.A.D., which occurs in the winter, Reverse Season Affective Disorder occurs in summer months when we have longer hours of light, and the brain becomes overwhelmed by this longer lighting, and cannot function properly to regulate moods? You may want to research Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder further if you or someone you know experiences bouts of depression and loss of energy during summer months when most people are outdoors and active.
Medications, and light therapy are the primarily prescribed methods for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D, though many other treatments can also be used, and most often are determined on the basis of response to the treatments being used, by the individual being treated. Seasonal Affective Disorder, impacts sufferers differently based on many factors, some of which are still not known. This makes it harder to diagnose and often harder to treat as well because one sufferer may find great relief from their symptoms with some medication and light therapy for example. Unfortunately, due to the varying degrees of the disorder and its coinciding variations in the degree of symptoms, not all those coping with S.A.D. are able to find relief from the symptoms of this disorder through traditional treatments like, light therapy.
When those treatments don't work, doctors and people trying to cope with the disorder themselves, seek alternative methods for treating the symptoms, some of which can be very debilitating to the sufferer. Alternative treatments such as Yoga are now being recommended more often for those that have not been able to find relief from their symptoms through medications and light therapy alone. Yoga is a form of exercise that considers the body to be comprised of three parts, mind, body, spirit, and Yoga exercises focus on strengthening all three components of the body to achieve the health and fitness it is believed cannot be achieved until or unless, all 3 parts of the body have been made whole, fit, and healthy.
Still others with Seasonal Affective Disorder have turned to hypnotherapy as a means for treating the disorder, and some have found that it works for them. A certified hypnosis therapist leads a patient through a series of mental activities so that a person can become more aware of their individual perception style and how that can also affect the stability of their moods. They are then taught techniques for transforming, limiting or eliminating altogether, thinking behaviors that have been interfering not only with the stabilization of their moods, but in other areas of the individuals life.
As the seasons change and winter arrives, if you find that you have felt depressed for more than two weeks, call your doctor and schedule an appointment to come in and discuss your symptoms and be examined by the doctor to determine if you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women's-health-articles/an-introduction-to-seasonal-affective-disordersad-294432.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Acupuncture - an Effective Depression Remedy?
By: Craig Elliott | 01/01/2008 | Women's Health
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine - dating back to around 8,000 years ago in ancient China. Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific places on the body and can cure many different ailments including asthma,
How Anxiety and Depression are Connected
By: Stephanie Larkin | 13/02/2008 | Mental Health
Depression is a disorder that does not get nearly enough attention. Depressed people are often told to "cheer up" or to "look at the bright side" of things, and may spiral even deeper when they are unable to simply snap out of the mood that has such a hold on them. While depression can often lead to fatigue and listlessness, it has a close cousin by the name of anxiety. Anxiety causes the opposite effect, putting our bodies into the "fight or flight" mode that protected us in the wild.
An Introduction to Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation
By: Megan Hazel | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
People who are mentally ill also seem to be chronically afraid of hospitals, or at least seem to want to avoid medical attention in a hospital setting. Looking at it from the perspective of someone who is confused or otherwise mentally unstable, the sterile and instrument-laden halls of a hospital are indeed terrifying, and can even be considered "creepy" by a person who is not suffering from a mental condition.
How to Avoid Panic Attacks
By: Craig Elliott | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
Anyone who has ever had a panic attack knows how life stopping these events can feel. A panic attack can seriously hurt your quality of life by causing you become terrified of a repeat episode. This terror is just another negative side effect of panic attacks, and you should learn to think of it as such so that you can get on with your life without the constant fear of a panic attack hanging over your head.
Young Adults and Mental Illness-what are the Warning Signs?
By: Craig Elliott | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
Mental illness is not just an affliction that you are born with; mental illnesses can develop over time, whether as something that was predestined to occur or as an illness that develops over time.
Biology of Depression
By: Grant Eckert | 08/12/2007 | Mental Health
Depression is a severe and crippling emotional disorder that afflicts some 10-15% of the population worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Depression and Pregnancy-what is the Connection?
By: Craig Smith | 08/12/2007 | Mental Health
At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation.
Teen Depression-warning Signs to Watch for
By: Stephanie Larkin | 08/12/2007 | Mental Health
If you have a teenager, then you should know how to watch out for teen depression, which can be easily discounted by parents as drama, and which can claim the life of your child.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Women's Health Articles
Puffy Eyes - Safe Effective Healing Treatments - Prevent Eye Puffiness and Dark Circles
By: Kacy Carr | 20/08/2008
How to tell if your puffy eyes need medical attention
Vaginal Itching & Infections – Does Your Vagina Itch and Sting When You Pee
By: Kacy Carr | 20/08/2008
Is your vaginal itch caused by an infection
Choosing Your Nursing Area
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
Once you've reached the third trimester, you'll probably start stocking up on nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming months ahead. While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your personal area, a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself.
Breast Feeding and Weaning
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
When your baby has stopped breast feeding and gets all of his nutrition from other sources than the breast, he's actually considered weaned. Even though babies are also weaned from the bottle as well, the term weaning often refers to when a baby is stopped from breast feeding.
The First Six Weeks of a Pregnancy
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
Breast milk is the best food you can give to your baby. Breast milk is a complete food source, containing all the nutrients your baby need - at least 400 of them to be exact, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that aren't found in formula.
Getting Solid Foods for Your Baby
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
Breast milk is all your baby will need until at least 4 months of age. There does come a time, when breast milk will no longer supply all of your baby's nutrition needs. Full term babies will start to require iron from other sources by 6 - 9 months of age.
Going Back to Work After a Pregnancy
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
Once you return to work, you can continue to breast feed. If you live close to work or have an on site daycare, you may be able to breast feed during your breaks. If that isn't possible, you have 2 choices: 1. Keep your milk supply by using a high quality automatic electric breast pump to express milk
Having Poor Milk Supply
By: Jasmine Stone | 20/08/2008
Almost all women don't have a problem with producing enough milk to breast feed. The ideal way to make sure that your baby is getting enough milk is to be sure that he's well positioned, attached to the breast, and feed him as often as he gets hungry.
More from Craig Smith
The Benefits of an All-inclusive Cruise
By: Craig Smith | 08/01/2008 | Cruising
Modern cruise ships are like floating cities. They are large enough to contain casinos, pools, gyms, banquet halls, dance halls, and multiple eating establishments. All of this, along with luxurious sleeping accommodations, makes a cruise a great value.
Repairs That Can Help Sell your Home
By: Craig Smith | 08/01/2008 | Real Estate
So, you have decided to sell the house. You've found a real estate agency to work with and your price is set. You already have a new home and payments. You want to sell your old home quickly. So, what sort of repairs will help move that house quicker?
How to Get Rid of Silverfish Insect
By: Craig Smith | 05/01/2008 | Food and Beverage
A Silverfish is about 1/2 inch long, with a uniform silvery color over the upper surface. Their bodies are long and slender, flattened. The bodies are broad at the front, and gradually tapering toward the rear. Silverfish females may lay over 100 eggs during a lifetime. Eggs are laid singly or two to three at a time in small groups, hatching in three to six weeks.
How to Get the "lion's Share" Out of Disney's Animal Kingdom
By: Craig Smith | 05/01/2008 | Vacation Rentals
Walt Disney World opened its newest attraction park in 1998, and although it's considered a "Theme" park, it is a bit different from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or MGM. The Animal Kingdom was built to educate the public about animals and inform everyone about environmental conservation. It does so in an entertaining manner, and has been widely successful.
Depression and Pregnancy-what is the Connection?
By: Craig Smith | 08/12/2007 | Mental Health
At one time, doctors believed that the hormones associated with pregnancy were a good protection against depression. In more recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that depression during pregnancy is a serious problem, affecting 10-20% of all women - the same proportion that women as whole suffer without adding pregnancy into the equation.
Important Tips for Storing Hazardous Materials
By: Craig Smith | 05/12/2007 | Small Business
Most companies have hazardous materials lurking around (and no, I'm not referring to the day old coffee in the break room.) According to the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, hazardous material is, "any item or agent (biological, chemical, physical) which has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other factors." This broad definition covers many materials used in any workplace.
Important Information About Termite Eating Habits
By: Craig Smith | 03/12/2007 | Landscaping
No one wants to be the victim of a termite infestation, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared just in case you do end up with some unwanted guests.
How Water Can Attract Termites to your Home
By: Craig Smith | 03/12/2007 | Landscaping
Termites are a concern for homeowners in every state except Alaska. These destructive insects can slowly destroy the structure of a home, eating the very wood it's made of and inflicting serious damage that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes even requiring the destruction of the structure if the termites are allowed to stay unchecked.
|
|
Health 
