Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a disorder affecting a considerable number of American citizens. Therefore, people should know as much as possible about this disorder. Here is some information about SAD.
1. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disorder that is in sync with natural instincts. It’s known that animals respond to light. This has been observed through their actions in winter; there is less prey around and they need to hibernate. This instinctive nature has shown up in human beings as well. It has been known since 1845, but it was officially named in the 1980s.
2. People with SAD are affected in the winter, especially in January and February, when patients suffer from depression. During these months light is dimmer than in the summer, which induces depression.
3. Only a person who is aware of suffering from SAD can deal with this disorder. Treatment for SAD should not be seen as ‘embarrassing’. It is necessary to have some form of treatment as SAD may influence one’s social life as well as professional life.
4. It has been proven that almost every 6 individuals out of a 100 suffer from SAD. This means that a great number of people may be affected. 6% of population is a high, hence everybody should be more aware of the disorder.
5. Everybody should be aware of possible repercussions of leaving SAD untreated. If SAD persists or even increases, one may not be able to lead a normal life. If SAD in untreated, its intensity may worsen throughout one’s life, leaving him or her helpless.
6. According to specialists, the leading cause of SAD is Melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the Pineal gland, is believed to be responsible for the depressed states in people. This hormone is also said to be responsible for the excessive appetite that one develops. Consuming higher amounts of sugar and starch along with healing sleepy are the major signs of SAD.
7. To treat the imbalance in the pineal gland secretion, anti-depressants are used. They are believed to be the most effective means for the treatment of SAD. Many are unwilling to use this form treatment due to possible side effects, however it may have to be done. But using anti-depressants is not the only way to treat SAD.
8. Phototherapy is also an effective way of SAD treatment. As opposed to making use of anti-depressants, it must be asserted that phototherapy is also effective. This method consists of exposing the affected person to bright artificial light. This treatment gives positive respond, the same as in the case of anti-depressants.
9. Physical activity can also be helpful in treating SAD. People are believed to be relieved from SAD significantly when they exercise more. People should exercise during sunlight in order to achieve the intended effect.
10. Modification of environment can also be also effective. This can be done through brightening up one’s home with lights. Mirrors help in this process as well, as they save energy and create the intended exposure to light.
