Depression Articles
Depression Help
Depression Screening
Depression Quiz
Signs of Depression
Depression Symptoms
Depression Causes
Depression Forums
Depression Support
Types of Depression
Depression Types
Mood Disorder
Mental Depression
Manic Depression
Psychotic Depression
Atypical Depression
Bipolar Depression
Major Depression
Depression Disorder
Clinical Depression
Mild Depression
Chronic Depression
Depression Treatment
Depression and Exercise
Depression Recovery
Treating Depression
Natural Cures for Depression
Depression Therapy
Depression and Other Disorders
Suicide and Depression
Anxiety and Depression
Diabetes and Depression
Depression and Anger
Insomnia and Depression
Causes of Depression
Alcohol Depression
Postpartum Depression
Seasonal Depression
Pregnancy Depression
Reactive Depression
Situational Depression
Physical Depression
Stress Depression
Age Related Depression
|
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression, aka seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that changes with the seasons. Keep reading to learn what causes seasonal depression, its causes and symptoms, and what treatment options are available for seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression, clinically referred to as “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD) - a term coinced in 1984 by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal - is a cycle of depression that comes and goes with the changing seasons of the year. It affects around 500,000 people in the United States, a similar number in the UK, and as many as 2 million Swedes, and most people who experience seasonal depression are affected in the late fall and the winter. This may be called the “winter blues.” However, some people with seasonal depression feel its effects in the late spring and the summer. Seasonal depression affects more people in the northern parts of North America than in the southern regions. Those who have seasonal depression are most likely to be women between the ages of 18 and 30. This article will review seasonal depression, its causes and symptoms, and give an overview of some treatment possibilities. What Causes Seasonal Depression? Although the causes of seasonal depression are not certain, the fatigue, lethargy, and feelings of hopelessness that may characterize seasonal depression are believed to be linked to chemical changes in the brain that result from the amount of sunlight, operating in conjunction with the person’s internal clock. The level of melatonin - a hormone produced by the body and related to sleep patterns and moods - and serotonin - a neurotransmitter, also related to mood, may also be involved. Seasonal depression is more likely in people who live in locations with less sunlight, both as a result of distance from the equator and cloudy skies. There may also be a genetic component, as seasonal depression seems to have a familial element in some cases. Symptoms of Seasonal Depression Symptoms of seasonal depression are often similar to the symptoms of any major depression. The person with seasonal depression is likely to feel less energetic and more fatigued, have difficulty in concentrating and be irritable and anxious, may oversleep and have lessened interest in activities previously enjoyed. The craving for sweet and/or starchy foods may be associated with seasonal disorder that occurs in winter, as may weight gain. Those who are affected in the summer show some symptoms that might be characterized as opposites, experiencing a loss of appetite and weight loss and insomnia, while possibly also experiencing agitation, irritability, and anxiety. The onset and relief of symptoms generally occur at the same time each year. Treatments for Seasonal Depression Treatments that may help in addressing seasonal depression include light therapy, medicines, dietary changes, stress management techniques, therapy, and/or visiting a location with more sun during the winter.
Sources emedicinehealth.commedicalnewstoday.com mayoclinic.com nlm.nih.gov nmha.org cnn.com Related Article: Alcohol Depression >>
|
|