vegangelical asked:


I am already using light therapy, with very little results. I was wondering if there are any medications for it. Thanks.
I do have an extremely healthy lifestyle. I am a vegetarian, take all kinds of vitamins and supplements, I am a backpacker, I’m 5′1 and weigh 97…. that’s not the problem.

metallicafan2348 asked:


ok im 15 and i usually dont get outside much, and its winter time where im at, i can go to bed at whatever time and wake up a certain time, now its winter, and im really sad alot, yea my friends make me laugh but inside im still sad, do i have seasonal affective disorder?? i really appreciate it

Joe Goertz asked:


Bipolar disorder is serious. It is an illness that can affect relationships, careers, and lives. People with bipolar disorder may exhibit manic moods like high energy, being very talkative, restless or reckless one minute and being depressed showing signs of sadness, crying, and lack of energy the next minute. It is this “swing” that gives the disorder its name.

Bipolar can occur in men and women equally and currently affects over 2 million people. Symptoms of bipolar are often seen in early childhood, although the onset is usually during the early 20s. Connections have even been found between bipolar disorder (BPD) and ADHD.

BPD is hard to diagnose in young children, because BPD and ADHD have similar symptoms. It is just as difficult to diagnose adolescents due to the many hormonal changes in the overall development which cause unbalance. It is difficult to discern if the adolescent is acting normally or if the mood swings are symptoms of BPD. In adults, other problems that will most often occur in conjunction with BPD, making it easier to diagnose. Some of the problems that can occur with BPD include drugs and/or alochol use or abuse, seasonal depression and anxiety disorders.

After diagnosis, there are ways to treat BPD. The most popular methods are with mood stabilizing drugs and psychotherapy. Before taking any medications, a few considerations need to be taken. Children and young adults sometimes have higher suicidal thoughts and tendencies while on mood stabilizing drugs. Medications should be used under extreme caution, or other measures of control should be put into practice for younger people diagnosed with BPD. Continuous therapy (both drug and psycho) should be used even when the “cured” feeling sets in. In other words, the drugs and therapy may be for life or until such time as your doctor feels it is medically necessary to remove or discontinue them.

A medical doctor, psychiatrist and/or psychologist will prove to be a qualified team to affectively monitor and prevent the illness from worsening.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent BPD. The best thing to do is begin treatment as quickly as possible. To do that, you must be familiar with the symptoms. Symptoms of BPD include:

• Excessive happiness or hopefulness

• Restlessness coupled with a need for less sleep

• Distractibility

• Racing thoughts

• High sex drive

• Inflated self-esteem

• Tendency to make larger than attainable plans

• Change in appetite causing weight loss or gain

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Suicide attempt

If you or someone you know may have BPD , it is important that you note the severity of the symptoms listed above and how long they last. The most telling symptom of BPD however, is in the extremity of the mood swings – extreme highs and lows that do not follow a set pattern. Do not attempt to self-diagnose BPD. If you suspect BPD, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your medical doctor can assess your situation and help you find a psychiatrist or psychologist to aid in your treatment.



Kevin

TigerLily asked:


I have SAD and when it isn’t spring here I am pretty bad off. I am planning on grad school for 2 yrs in WA. There is supposedly 6 months of rain. I’m kind of scared cause I have allergies and other problems and the SAD depression gets really bad. Suggestions are welcome.

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Rickie Smith asked:


Diagnosing Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be rather difficult because it is hard to distinguish it from other forms of depression. Before doctors can do diagnoses on a patient, typically they will have to rule out other medical conditions. SAD is not necessarily a separate mood disorder from major depression or bipolar disorder and therefore it can be diagnosed as a subtype of each of these.

Diagnosing seasonal affective disorder correctly depends on whether:

- the patient has experienced depression and other symptoms for a minimum two

consecutive years and during the same season;

- whether or not those periods of depression have been followed by periods without

depression;

- and ruling out other explanations for the changes in their mood

The doctor will do a complete physical examination and will do a thorough medical history on the patient. It is absolutely critical to share your information with the doctor and you must make sure that you are following their recommendations exactly so that you are able to make it through this tough time. Most likely they will ask many questions about your mood, seasonal changes in your thoughts and behavior, your lifestyle and social situation, as well as your sleeping and eating patterns.

As stated earlier…diagnosing SAD is very hard because its symptoms often mimic other types of depression. But rest assured that doctors have guidelines, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, that help them to diagnose the disorder. If you are not sure of your doctor’s opinion you most certainly will want to get a second opinion, especially if you do not agree with his diagnoses.

Usually the depressive symptoms of SAD begin during fall or winter, and end when spring arrives. During other months of the year a person’s mood might be normal, or will not meet criteria for clinical depression. Those who have SAD will have a have a lack of energy or feel sluggish during the winter months. In addition, they may sleep more than usual, overeat and gain weight, or they may have a craving for carbohydrates. Women have seasonal affective disorder at a rate of 60%-90% of those affected. SAD rates are higher in those who live at higher altitudes and occur more frequently in younger people, often beginning in a person’s twenties.

Typically the treatments will vary from patient to patient for seasonal affective disorder. Most people will feel differently when they are going through the disorder and no two cases are alike. Once the doctor has eliminated everything else, only then can they begin the right type of treatment for a patient allowing them get on the right track for a better and more efficient lifestyle.



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Kunbi Balogun asked:


This is followed by full remission or hypomanic states (mild state of mania) during the following spring and summer.1 A rare form of SAD occurs during the summer. SAD is generally characterised by four central features,

1. Recurrent major depressive episodes, which start around the same time each year, for example September to October, and end around the same time each year, for example March to April,

2. Full remission of symptoms during the unaffected period of the year, for example May to August,

3. Relatively more seasonal depressive episodes than non-seasonal episodes, over the lifetime course of the illness,

4. Seasonal depressive episodes occur in at least 2 consecutive years.2

Subsyndromal SAD is a disorder with similar but milder symptoms to SAD, which do not affect the patient’s ability to function. It has been reported that there is a paucity of information concerning the incidence and detection of SAD in UK populations.3 Prevalence rates suggested by studies carried out have ranged from 1 to 12% depending on the diagnostic criteria used.4 The overall lifetime incidence of SAD is said to range from 0 to 9.7%, depending on the specific population studied and how it is diagnosed. SAD prevalence may be higher in northern latitudes than southern latitudes and may vary within ethnic groups at the same latitude.5 It has been reported that the risk of SAD probably increases if people move to live further away from the equator. Almost all the studies of the incidence of SAD report that women are more likely to suffer from SAD. The average ratio of women to men across all studies is 1.8 to 1.2 During the reproductive years, female sufferers predominate; however a reduction in incidence and a narrowing of gender differences is seen in old age.6 With respect to age, studies report that the life time incidence of SAD increases with age until around age 60. After the age of 50-54, it is reported that the incidence declines dramatically and as such, over the age of 65 the incidence of SAD is very low. Regardless of this however, patients over 65 may still present to hospitals for treatment. It has been suggested that the response of patients over 65 to treatment does not differ from that of younger patients with SAD.2 It should be noted that the low incidence of SAD in older individuals may be as a result of misdiagnosis as physicians may consider symptoms presented by such individuals as being down to old age and not SAD. Children also suffer from SAD, although this is quite rare as children have more opportunity than adults to play and interact outdoors thereby exposing them to more sunlight and as such suppressing any possible triggers of SAD; however, incidence rates rise at puberty.6 Severity of SAD can be mild, moderate or severe.

Cause of SAD

The cause of SAD is unknown. However it is thought that in people predisposed to winter SAD, decreasing daylight period as winter approaches is thought to be a trigger.7 Essentially, the onset of SAD is thought to be associated with seasonal reduction in daylight, and its remission to ensuing seasonal increase in daylight.8

Symptoms

Symptoms of SAD include,

1. Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)

2. Chocolate/carbohydrate craving

3. Impaired concentration

4. Irritability

5. Weight gain

6. Low libido

7. Anhedonia (lack of pleasure or of the capacity to experience it)

8. Low mood, which is often worse in the morning

9. Loss of interest

10. Poor motivation

11. Anxiety

12. Anergia (lack of energy)

13. Social withdrawal

14. In children, symptoms may also include grades falling in the winter and rising in the spring, or poor relations at school during winter

Patients with winter SAD may experience a reversal of their winter symptoms during the summer, that is, elevated mood, increased libido, social activity and energy, decreased sleep requirements, appetite and mild hypomania (mild state of mania).8

Associated diagnosis

Several conditions have been reported to be associated with SAD as they share similar mechanisms. These include,

1. Panic disorders

2. Social phobia

3. Bulimia nervosa

4. Chronic fatigue syndrome

5. Premenstrual syndrome

6. May also be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

7. A pattern of seasonal alcohol use may also be associated with SAD7

Treatment

Treatment options for SAD include,

1. Regular exposure to natural light outdoors (natural light therapy) as much as possible in autumn and winter, particularly in the morning. This is advisable for milder symptoms and in conjunction with other therapies in severe cases.6

2. Continuing regular exercise. This is antidepressant in itself and helps to reduce weight gain and promote a feeling of mastery. Exercising outdoors (walking or light jogging) is even more beneficial through concurrent light exposure.6 This should also be used in conjunction with other therapies.

3. Light therapy has been recommended as the first line treatment for SAD.9 This includes the use of light boxes. Alternatives include light sources adapted for the workplace (such as desk lights or fitments above computer screens), rechargeable light visors and dawn-simulating alarm clocks (body clocks).6 Both subsyndromal and full-syndromal SAD may respond to light therapy. See our range of light therapy products.

4. Cognitive behavioural therapy. This has some effectiveness in improving dysfunctional automatic thoughts and attitudes, behaviour withdrawal and low rates of positive reinforcements. When used in combination with light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment and prevention against recurrence of SAD.5, 6

5. Pharmacotherapy (antidepressants such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline). These are often used in moderate to severe cases, either alone or in conjunction with light therapy.6

References

1. Prjek E, et al. Bright light therapy in seasonal affective disorder-does it suffice? Eur Neuropharmacol 2004;14:347-351

2. Apollo Light Research Archive. Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Ed. Raymond W. Lam & Anthony J. Levitt.

3. Michalak EE, Wilkinson C, Dowrick C, Wilkinson G. Seasonal Affective Disorder: prevalence, detection and current treatment in North Wales. Br J Psychiatry 2001; 179:31-34.

4. Thompson C, Thompson S, Smith R. Prevalence of seasonal affective disorder in primary care: a comparison of seasonal health questionnaire and the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire. J Affect Disord 2004; 78: 219-226.

5. Lurie S, et al. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Am Fam Physician 2006; 74: 1521-1524.

6. Eagles JM. Light therapy and seasonal affective disorder. Psychiatry 2006; 5(6): 199-203.

7. Partonen T, Lonnqvist J. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lancet 1998; 352: 1369-1374.

8. Reid S, Towell AD, Golding JF. Seasonality, social zeitgebers and mood variability in entrainment of mood: Implication for seasonal affective disorder. J Affect Disord 2000; 59: 47-54.

9. Sher L. Aetiology and pathogenesis of mood disorders. Q J Med 2003; 96: 309-313.

10. Michalak EE, Murray G, Wilkinson C, Dowrick C, Lam RW. A pilot study adherence with light treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Psychiatry Res 2007;149: 315-320.

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/sad_learning_Centre.html

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Craig Smith asked:


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.



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katty h asked:


does spring showers and these dark days make your seasonal affective disorder worst?

Early Spring in the northeast with prolonged days of overcast weather.

Kristi Ambrose asked:


SAD, also known as winter depression, is a new disorder sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or less frequently in the summer repeatedly, year after year. It is estimated that 10 million Americans almost 6% of the population have had SAD. As stated by the US national Library of medicine:

“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.”

When this condition happens in the summer is often referred to as reverse seasonal affective disorder.

Some of the other symptoms of SAD in adults include: sadness or anxiety, tiredness and fatigue, weight gain, carbohydrate cravings, decreased energy, withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes. Symptoms in children include: irritability, difficulty getting out of bed, or problems in school. It is said that Seasonal Affective Disorders are related to the amount of light is absorbed through the eyes. Thus the reasoning behind Seasonal Affective Disorders happening more in the winter months specifically within October or November.

Several different drugs can be used if you are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorders but one of the most effective treatments consist of using a light box with high intensity fluorescent lights, this is called light therapy. It has been said that light therapy works tremendously with SAD, the symptoms of SAD can subside within as little as a few days or a few weeks. The treatment usually takes 30 minutes to two hours per day of sitting in front of the light box, when patients are in front of a light box you can read eat or talk. However, light therapy hasn’t been officially approved as a treatment by the FDA because of its lack of evidence about its effectiveness.

Other forms of affective disorder, are mood disorder, bipolar, depression, and schizophrenia. These forms of affective disorder as well as SAD can include the following treatments: medication, air reception, cognitive behavioral therapy, and carefully timed sublimation of the hormone melatonin. The United States is not the only country to have problems with affective disorders. The following countries also have inhabitants that have complained of these disorders; Nordic countries, 20%, Iceland’s 2000 people, and Ireland at 20%.

The National Institute of Mental Health’s Depression Awareness, Recognition and Treatment (D/ART) program is meant to educate people on the symptoms and treatments for various forms of depression including SAD. For a free brochure on SAD call and I am each at 1-800-421-4211. For more information about SAD and other forms of depression. Contact your local Mental Health Association which can be found by looking online for Mental Health Association and your state.

As well as the information above, you can also look into these books;

Affective dis-orders: psychoanalytic contributions to their study, by Phyllis Greenacre.

Handbook of affective disorders, second edition by Eugene S Paykel

Positive options for seasonal affective disorder as a key: self-help and treatment by Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers.

Winter blues, revised edition: everything you need to know to beat seasonal affective disorder by Norman E. Rosenthal.

Seasonal affective disorder-a medical dictionary, bibliography, and a noted research guide to Internet references by Icon

Health Publications

Seasonal affective disorder for dummies by Laura L. PhD Smith and Charles H. Ph.D. Elliott



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SuzieQ92 asked:


Please don’t answer just yes or no. Please give the reason behind your answer. Thank you!

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