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Though Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur at any time of year, it is most common during light-limited winter months. Extensive study over the last decade has revealed that women are most commonly affected by this disorder.
DEFINITION
Seasonal affective disorder is a disruption of normal mood, most commonly caused by lack of exposure to normal light. This disorder can also affect certain individuals who suffer an intolerance to heat during hot, humid weather, as well, though it is uncommon.
SYMPTOMS
Depression during the early weeks of winter.
Irritability, mood swings and socially inappropriate behavior.
Tiredness or sluggishness during winter months.
Increased appetite or excessive weight gain.
Difficulty utilizing coping skills. Hopelessness, suicidal tendencies and negativity.
Insomnia or change in sleeping habits.
CAUSES
MELATONIN imbalances within the body are the most common cause of seasonal affective disorder. An overproduction of melatonin is produced by the body during darker, winter months, which the body is unable to adapt to.
LACK of exposure to natural light.
TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS
Traditionally, seasonal affective disorder has been treated with psychotherapy and antidepressants. Most patients are also advised to stop taking sleeping aids and limit their exposure to stimulants such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
EXTEND each day through artificial sunlight. Light therapy has shown great promise in treating those suffering from moderate to severe cases of seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can include sitting in a brightly lit room for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. (A brightly lit space consists of at least 8, 100 watt bulbs in one single area.)
ARTIFICIAL bedroom light helps with those suffering insomnia and severe depression. Special, commercially available lights are set to simulate dawn, automatically going from dim lighting to bright, white light every morning.
SPECIAL caps containing lights in the visor have shown promise for those living northern latitudes, where seasonal affective disorder is most common. Lights powered by batteries emit bright, natural light, which is directed to the eyes.
MAKE your living environment brighter by opening blinds and drapes. Walls can also be painted in light, bright colors.
SIT near a window and look outside for 15-minutes at a time, 3-times daily.
USE bright lights to illuminate your living environment during cloudy or overcast days.
DON'T isolate yourself from friends, family members or co-workers.
SPEND at least one hour outdoors each day.
ST. JOHN'S WORT has been used in Europe for centuries to help boost moods and balance the body's chemical make-up.
INCREASE your physical activity during winter months.
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