Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, also know as SAD symptoms, usually
presents itself during the winter months. It is a kind of depression that is
affected by the seasons, and is more common in northern states. There are two
kinds of seasonal affective disorder. The most common form, known as winter
depression, presents itself during late fall or early winter. The less prevalent
kind is summer depression, which comes on in late spring or early summer. Pay
close attention to any of the following symptoms, as they may be an indicator of
SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Increase in appetite, particularly craving sweet or starchy foods
- Sudden decrease in energy level
- Irritability symptoms
- Oversleeping
- Arms and legs feeling abnormally heavy
- Sensitivity to social rejection
- Avoiding social situations
- Difficult time concentrating
- Summer Depression may also include:
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Seasonal Affective Disorder may also include symptoms that are present in
other types of depression symptoms. These include
headaches, loss of interest in activities you used to like, continued feelings
of hopelessness, and guilt. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder come back
every year about the same time, and are not linked to other situations going on
in your life.
Thankfully, there is a fairly simple treatment for SAD. Light therapy helps to
relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. There are several ways to
use light therapy. You could use a special visor hat to direct the light onto
you or a light box. Both of these options are to be used for a specified period
of time each day. Usually, your doctor will recommend 30 minutes of treatment a
day. You will continue this until springtime or until enough natural light is
available to accomplish the treatment alone. If light therapy does not work for
you or you have very sensitive skin, your doctor may prescribe medication or a
combination of both.
If you suspect that you have seasonal affective disorder, do not attempt to
treat yourself. Tanning beds should not be used to treat SAD because of their
high UV rays that can harm your skin. You should always seek the advice of your
doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective
Disorder to S
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