"Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Lights"

WHAT IS SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a specific type of recurring depressive illness that manifests in an annual pattern, usually from early-to-late fall and subsiding with the longer, sunnier days of spring.1 Some people have the milder form, called Subsyndromal-Seasonal Affective Disorder (S-SAD), also called Winter Blues, which causes minor problems in their lives but not the total disruption that full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder causes.

This is the Winter-Seasonal Affective Disorder subtype; another subtype is Summer-Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs in the spring & summer months. Summer-Seasonal Affective Disorder is much rarer than Winter-Seasonal Affective Disorder, is less well researched, and its cause is undetermined. Throughout this website, unless otherwise noted, the term "SAD" refers specifically to Winter-Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Researchers have confirmed that specific biological changes within the brain occur in response to different levels of bright light exposure, and that these biochemical changes affect hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for regulating our mood, energy, sleep and appetite. In the majority of the population, these changes are not troublesome; they simply cause minor variations in their annual rhythms. For those with SAD, though, these changes are profound enough to cause significant disruption to their lives.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHO GETS Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects both genders, and people of all ages. A small but significant percentage of children are affected, with the female-male ratio being about equal among this age group. In the 15-43 age group, however, women outnumber men by nearly 3.5 to 1. After age 44, the number of women starts to decline and the gender ratio again equalizes.2 The effect of latitude on the incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder has not been determined conclusively. Numerous studies indicate that incidence increases with higher latitude, but some other studies have either failed to show any correlation or shown an opposite trend.3 Anyone deprived of regular sunlight exposure or adequate indoor lighting can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms. A series of rainy, overcast days can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder even in the summertime.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS of SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder manifests itself in different ways in different people. The typical symptoms include decreased mood and energy level, social withdrawal, reduction in sex drive, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating or being productive at work. The "classic" Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms, which are considered atypical symptoms of nonseasonal depression, are changes in sleeping patterns (oversleeping and having poor sleep) and appetite changes (increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, and subsequent weight gain).

In children and teenagers, the symptoms are slightly different from those for adults. These symptoms include irritability, crying spells, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty in getting out of bed for school, and a lowering of grades and self-esteem. Because these symptoms mirror the symptoms of laziness, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), learning disabilities, or the stereotypical behavior of teenagers, it is important for parents to note whether these symptoms recur year after year during the fall and winter months, and whether they go away in the spring.

	This site chose VeriSign SSL for secure e-commerce and confidential communications.
ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES

"Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Lights"

WHO GETS Seasonal Affective Disorder?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS of SAD?

Atlas Lighting Supply