Sugar Editorial Picks
May 12, 2009 -
You might think that suicide rates are highest in the dark, gloomy days of Winter, but recent studies found that too much Summer sunlight, like in the northern climes of Sweden and Greenland from April to August, can cause suicidal thoughts as well. Extended Summer days make sleeping difficult, disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm where darkness triggers sleep. Quantity of sleep is connected to mental health, and continual sleep disturbances are linked to an increase in suicidal risk.
- 3 Comments
Dec 02, 2008 -
The change in seasons can add charm to certain places, but some people go through Winter counting down to the arrival of Spring. Even the most delicious cup of creamy hot chocolate won't cheer up somebody affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that onsets with shorter, darker days and is alleviated by the typically warmer months.
Experts think a lack of sunlight is to blame for SAD, which explains the tendency for those affected by SAD to feel a positive change in their overall mood during Spring and Summer.
- 17 Comments
Oct 10, 2007 -
If you have noticed that your mood and motivation plummets come November and you never seem to bounce back to normal in April, then you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD - a chemical imbalance in the brain brought on by lack of light due to winter's shorter days and typically overcast skies - affects nearly 10-20 percent of all people, the majority of them being women.
Symptoms of SAD are:
- A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
- Weight gain
- A heavy feeling in the arms or legs
- A drop in energy level
- Fatigue
- A tendency to oversleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Increased sensitivity to social rejection
- Avoidance of social situations
If you feel like you suffer from SAD, there are ways to make it a little more manageable.
- 8 Comments
Other Search Results
Dec 29, 2008 -
DrSugar has received more than a few questions regarding the Winter blues. If you feel like hibernating these days, read what he has to say about this seasonal problem.
December 22nd marked the first official day of Winter.
- 3 Comments
Dec 11, 2006 -
I think Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) should win the prize for most appropriate acronym, since folks suffering from the disorder feel well...more than a little sad. About 1 in 5 Americans suffer from this well known but rarely treated disorder, that leaves people feeling a decrease in energy and cheerfulness, as well as a decline in productivity and creativity.
The lack of light that accompanies the winter months disrupts natural sleep / wake cycles creating effects similar to an extreme case of jet lag.
- 10 Comments
Sep 04, 2008 -
Overview
- Definition
- Causes, incidence, and risk factors
- Symptoms
- Signs and tests
- Treatment
- Expectations (prognosis)
- Complications
- Calling your health care provider
- Prevention
Illustrations
Forms of depression
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Definition
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is marked by symptoms of depression profound enough to seriously affect work and relationships. The disorder may have its onset in adolescence or early adulthood and, like other forms of depression, occurs more frequently in women than in men.
- 1 Comment
Oct 08, 2008 -
In This Report
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Risk Factors
- Causes
- Prognosis
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Medications
- Other Treatments
- Therapy and Lifestyle Chang...
- Resources
- References
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Highlights
Drug Approval
In 2007, the FDA approved risperidone (Risperdal) for short-term treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 - 17. Risperidone (an atypical antipsychotic) and lithium (a mood stabilizer) are the two drugs currently approved for treating pediatric patients with bipolar disorder.
Drug Warnings
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa, Symbex) causes a greater risk for high blood sugar than other atypical antipsychotics, according to updated information added to the drug’s warning label.
- 1 Comment
Oct 08, 2008 -
In This Report
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Risk Factors
- Causes
- Complications of Bulimia...
- Complications of Anorexia...
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Treatment for Bulimia
- Treatment for Anorexia
- Therapy
- Resources
- References
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Highlights
Eating Disorders Overview
- Eating disorders typically occur among young women.
- Bulimia nervosa involves a pattern of bingeing and purging. Many people with bulimia nervosa also suffer from depression.
- Anorexia nervosa involves a pattern of self-starvation. Patients often have an accompanying anxiety disorder (such as obsessive compulsive disorder) or depression.
- 1 Comment
Oct 08, 2008 -
In This Report
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications of Depression...
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Antidepressants and Drug Tr...
- Psychotherapy
- Other Treatments
- Lifestyle Changes
- Resources
- References
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Highlights
Drug Approval
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the atypical antipsychotic drug aripiprazole (Abilify) for treatment of major depression in adults. Aripiprazole is used for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. For depression, it is used in combination with antidepressant drug therapy.
- 5 Comments
Oct 08, 2008 -
In This Report
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Medications
- Resources
- References
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Highlights
Treatment
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends medications for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) only for persons who fulfill strict diagnostic criteria and experience too much daytime sleepiness as a result of these conditions. (Excessive daytime sleepiness results from nighttime sleeplessness due to RLS or PLMD symptoms).
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in March 2007 that the dopamine agonist drug pergolide (Permax) has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market.
- 2 Comments