Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Transcript Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
How to Combat the
Winter Time Blues
Submitted by:
Keith Tankersley
Ohio Wesleyan University
What is SAD
Also known as “Winter Depression” or “Winter
Blues”.
Is a mood disorder in which people experience
depressive symptoms in the winter.
First described and named in 1984 by Norman E.
Rosenthal.
People can also experience SAD in the summer,
spring, and fall.
Causes of SAD
What causes SAD is not known, but it is
thought to be related to numerous things
like:
Ambient Light
Body Temperature
Hormone Regulation
Symptoms of SAD
Difficulty waking up in the morning.
An interrupted sleeping pattern
Morning sickness.
Tendency to overeat and oversleep.
Weight gain.
Lack of Energy.
Difficulty focusing and completing a task.
Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities.
Feelings of hopelessness, depression, and lack of
pleasure.
Treatment of SAD
• Light Therapy
o Using a special lamp to mimic light from the sun.
o Gives the body Vitamin D that it lacks in the Winter time.
o Person must sit in front of the light for at least 30 minutes three times
a week.
• Medications
o As with other forms of depression, antidepressants seem to have a
positive affect.
•
Talk Therapy
o Talking with a trained professional about the issues and feelings one
is facing.
More Ways to Fight SAD
Vitamins
Multivitamins
Omega 3
Vitamin B6
Get Outside
Even though it is quite chilly, get outside and enjoy some good
ole’ mother nature.
Fresh oxygen will help lighten the mood.
Exercise
Doing physical activities releases “pleasure hormones” and
makes you a happier person!