Mind and Body

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a multi-part entry about Seasonal Affective Disorder. The first part will discuss what this disorder is, and the second, third, etc parts will discuss causes of SAD, how it is currently treated, my opinions on how color and color psychology relate to the disorder, and how research on it should proceed, respectively.

—

Looking for a way to beat the summer blues?

If you suffer from depressive symptoms  during the summer or winter season, it could be that you have Seasonal Affective Disorder,or SAD. This disorder is generally a type of depression, although in rare cases, it may manifest as a reverse version of SAD; a manic or hypomanic disorder.

The symptoms of SAD most typically begin in the fall and continue into the winter, but get better during the spring and winter months. The opposite can be true, however, and symptoms may appear in spring and summer, ceasing in the fall and winter.

Winter SAD is characterized by typical depressive symptoms; feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, anxiety, sleeping problems, weight gain, lethargy, anhedonia (lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities), and a general lack of motivation.

Summer SAD, however, may include restlessness, insomnia, weight loss, and irritability among other possible symptoms.

If you suffer from any of these possible sets of symptoms, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS