Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
goodtoknow says: SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression you can get at certain times of the year, mostly winter. 1 in 50 people have SAD in the UK, 1 in 8 get the milder 'winter blues'. It normally starts in your 20s or 30s and more women have it than men. It can run in families and you're less likely to get it if you live in a sunny country. Research shows that natural light probably boosts your happy hormones and brain chemicals, such as serotonin, so light therapy boxes can help alleviate symptoms as can anti-depressants and talking therapies.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of seasonal affective disorder from patient.co.uk, read on.
Most people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) develop depression each winter. The symptoms go when spring arrives. Light therapy (sitting in front of a special bright light for a time each day) is an effective treatment in many cases. Other options for treatment are the same as for other types of depression. For example, antidepressants and cognitive therapy.
- Next: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
More on SAD
- Ten ways to fight depression
- How sun can help SAD
- Read in-depth information on depression
- Tips on coping with depression
- Find a range of lightboxes from SAD-Lighting in our shop
- How a lightbox changed Nikki's life
- Have you suffered from SAD? Share your experiences
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Sammy, over 2 years
this is a really useful article. i have suffered with sad for years but didnt know what it was. my doctor dignosed me recently and it has changed the way i approach winter for the better
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