seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Alexandra White
October 20, 2012
HED 100-21
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs at the same time every year. Symptoms begin in the fall and last through the winter months. The effects of the symptoms leave the persons moody and without energy. SAD may begin during the teen years or in adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men. People who live in places with long winter nights are at greater risk for SAD. A less common form of the disorder involves depression during the summer months. If you feel down for days at a time and you can't seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or begin turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.
To diagnose SAD your doctor will do an evaluation of you that includes questions, physical exams, and medical tests. Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your doctor or mental health provider to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. To be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you have to meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The following criteria must be met for a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder:
You've experienced depression and other symptoms for at least two years, during the same season every year.
The periods of depression have been followed by periods without depression.
There are no other explanations for the changes in your mood or behavior.
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy. Some people with seasonal affective
Alexandra White
October 20, 2012
HED 100-21
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs at the same time every year. Symptoms begin in the fall and last through the winter months. The effects of the symptoms leave the persons moody and without energy. SAD may begin during the teen years or in adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men. People who live in places with long winter nights are at greater risk for SAD. A less common form of the disorder involves depression during the summer months. If you feel down for days at a time and you can't seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or begin turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.
To diagnose SAD your doctor will do an evaluation of you that includes questions, physical exams, and medical tests. Even with a thorough evaluation, it can sometimes be difficult for your doctor or mental health provider to diagnose seasonal affective disorder because other types of depression or other mental health conditions can cause similar symptoms. To be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you have to meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The following criteria must be met for a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder:
You've experienced depression and other symptoms for at least two years, during the same season every year.
The periods of depression have been followed by periods without depression.
There are no other explanations for the changes in your mood or behavior.
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, medications and psychotherapy. Some people with seasonal affective