Guest guest Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 In a message dated 12/15/2004 1:54:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, RSD-CRPSofAmerica writes: There's a disease call SAD and I think I suffer from it just a little Hi Lin and Laurie, I am going to jump in, hope you don't mind. I also was told that I suffer from this too and I had just read an article about it in one of my nursing journals so I hope you don't mind if I jump in. SAD is a psychiatric diagnosis and it stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light. It is characterized by suffering from depression during the winter months with symptoms subsiding during spring and summer months. Melatonin, a sleep related hormone has been linked to SAD. This hormone which may cause symptoms of depression is produced at higher levels in the dark. Therefore when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. SAD may result in sleep problems, weight gain/loss, depression, despair, guilt, anxiety, family/social problems, lethargy, physical symptoms such as joint pain, stomach problems and decreased resistance to infection. Treatment is usually with antidepressant meds and the use of a "light box." Basically just as it sounds, treatment in a room with special lights. Hope this has helped someone, Take care, Love Jai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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