Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sugar Editorial Picks

Summer Sun Provokes Suicide?

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

Are You Affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder?

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

SAD? Tips for Coping

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

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DrSugar On: Seasonal Affective Disorder

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

Are you feeling SAD?

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

Bipolar disorder

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
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Eating disorders

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
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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
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Depression

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

Restless legs syndrome and related disorders

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
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