Originally published December 29 2005
University paper discusses seasonal affective disorder
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Post provides an informative account of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder associated with the seasonal variation of light.
We all have bad days occasionally, and the winter months can be especially trying on our moods, but winter blahs that persist and make dreary days unbearable may indicate a more serious problem.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a lot like depression, only it comes and goes with the seasons.
Most people with SAD experience depression-like symptoms during the winter months, although some become depressed in the summer.
"Most of these things students just accept as being normal," Stu Tentoni, a senior psychologist at the Norris Health Center says.
Tentoni says many students suffering from SAD that come in for counseling will say something like: "The weirdest thing is I can't get enough pizza or bread."
Cravings for starchy, high-carb foods are what Tentoni calls the biggest tip-off that someone has SAD, because people with depression usually do not have these cravings.
The NMHA reports that SAD may be caused by an increased production of the sleep-related hormone melatonin.
Darkness increases production of melatonin, so the shorter and fewer sunny days in the winter means more melatonin is produced.
The Mayo Clinic Web site states that a lack of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain, seems to be triggered by sunlight and may be the cause of SAD and depression.
Light therapy involves sitting close to a lamp that is brighter than regular indoor lights for at least 30 minutes every day during the season one suffers from SAD.
He recommends replacing regular light bulbs with GE's Reveal 100 bulbs, which provide an enhanced color spectrum of light.
If these treatments do not work, one may decide to try an antidepressant drug.
Taking medication for SAD is determined by one's health provider.
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