Are You Feeling SAD?
During the winter months we often hear people mention feeling “blue” or “down.” There are others that speak of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. You may wonder, “What on earth is SAD?” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal, cyclic disorder that affects many individuals every year. The onset of symptoms usually begins in the fall or early winter and ceases as the seasons change and it becomes sunnier outside. For some, the seasonal depression begins in the spring or summer months.
Although SAD is not a “standalone” diagnosis in the current Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association, it has received much attention by the medical community over the past several years.
The most common symptoms of winter-onset SAD are:
Loss of energy
Weight gain and an increase in craving carbohydrates
Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasurable activities)
Anxiety
Depressed mood
Difficulty concentrating
Social withdrawal
Hopelessness/helplessness
Decreased sex drive
The most common symptoms of spring/summer-onset SAD are:
Anxiety
Poor appetite
Increased sex drive
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Irritability
Weight loss
Some believe SAD can be caused by a dysregulation in the biological clock (circadian rhythm); melatonin levels (a hormone that assists in the regulation of mood and sleep patterns); duration of sunlight; and serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood).
Treatment option...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Brian Shaw, MSW, LMHP, LISW Tags: Depression Disorders General Seasonal Affective Disorder Self-Help American Psychiatric Association Biological Clock Cyclic Disorder Depressed Mood Dsm Iv Tr Dysregulation Full Spectrum Melatonin Levels Neurotransmitter In The Br Source Type: news
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