Transcript Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
When Winter Gets You Down
What is SAD?
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD) is a type of winter
depression that affects an
estimated half a million
people every year. It is
believed to be caused by an
imbalance of chemicals in the
brain.
• In the winter there is a
decrease in the amount of
natural light that reaches us.
This is due partly to less
daylight hours and partly to
changing weather patterns.
• This lack of sunlight causes a
reduction in serotonin
production and an increase in
the level of melatonin. This
produces the symptoms
associated with SAD.
Symptoms of SAD
Sleeping Problems:
• Not being able to stay awake
• Disturbed/Uneasy Sleep
• Oversleeping
Lethargy
Depression:
• Regularly occurring symptoms
of depression during the fall or
winter months.
• Including loss of feelings
Social Problems:
• Pulling away from friends
• Avoiding social situations
Mood Changes:
• Extremes of mood
• Increase in PMS symptoms in
women
Diet Changes:
• Over-eating
• Increased craving for sugary or
carbohydrate rich foods
Loss of libido
Increase in Anxiety
Weakened Immune System
Suggestions for Coping with SAD
• Visit the campus
counseling center and
discuss symptoms with a
counselor.
• Educate yourself, family
and friends regarding
SAD to gain their
understanding and
support.
• Get as much light as
possible and avoid dark
environments during
daylight hours.
• Allow natural light to
shine through open
windows and doors when
temperatures are
moderate.
• Exercising daily –
outdoors when possible
Coping with SAD
• Rearrange
workspaces and work
near a window, or set
up bright lights in your
work area.
• Keep a daily log
noting weather
conditions, energy
levels, moods,
appetite/weight, sleep
times and activities.
Coping with SAD
• Avoid staying up late,
as much as possible,
which disrupts sleep
schedule and
biological clock.
• Be aware of cold
outside temperatures
and dress to conserve
energy and warmth.
Interesting Facts About SAD
• SAD was discovered before 1845, but was not
officially named until the early 1980’s.
• Over 100 articles have been written on the
subject since-1999.
• Rosenthal et al's 1984 paper defined seasonal
affective disorder (SAD) for the first time.
• Medline has included a separate Medical
Subject Heading (MeSH) for seasonal affective
disorder.
• As many as 6 of every 100 people in the United
States may have SAD.
Facts Continued
• Sad is more common in northern geographic regions,
like New England.
• SAD is more common in women than in men.
• The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January
and February.
Dark and Cold and Sad
Bleak till the promise of Spring
Winter depression.
Haiku by Dr. Raymond W. Lam
Bulletin Board submitted by Catherine White, Student Hall Director,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Catherine is a Student Hall Director at Worcester Polytechnic Institute studying
Biotechnology and International Studies. Prior to this role, she served as a Resident
Assistant. She is originally from New York City and attended Brooklyn Technical
High School. On-campus she is involved in Mock Trial, Tech News (our campus
newspaper), Mu Sigma Delta (our Pre-Health Society), and EMS.