Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms, Information & Causes

• Buy Seasonal Affective Disorder Supplements and Products
• General Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Information
• Possible Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Possible Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Possible Lifestyle Changes for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Beneficial Dietary Supplements
  
  

General Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Information
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the “winter blues,” is characterized by annual episodes of depression in fall and winter which dissipate in the warmer, brighter spring and summer months. The lack of sunlight during colder months causes a general feeling of change or imbalance in the way the body is functioning. Although SAD has been affecting people for centuries, it is only during the past 15 years that modern medicine has recognized its significance by giving the disorder a name and a specific set of symptoms. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from SAD annually.

Possible Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is directly related to changes in the amount of sunlight absorbed by the body, which affects body temperature, hormone production and an overall sense of well being. Those who reside in northern parts of the world are at a greater risk of developing SAD, as are those who live in cold areas with little or no snowcover. Women over age 30 are diagnosed with SAD most often, but men, teens and adolescents are also at risk. Postpartum women who give birth in the winter months are also at an increased risk of developing the disorder.

Possible Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Common symptoms of SAD include changes in appetite, fatigue, an overwhelming craving for carbohydrates, weight gain, decreased energy, irritability, withdrawal from social relationships and situations, inability to concentrate or focus and sleep problems. These symptoms usually begin in September or October and subside in late March or early April.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD sufferers are treated only during times of the year when symptoms are the worst, much like those with seasonal allergies. Because the cause of SAD is lack of sunlight, treatment focuses on delivering bright light to the patient using a specially designed light box or visor. The light, which is about five times brighter than a well lit office, must shine on or around the eye area for approximately 30 minutes each day throughout the fall and winter. Light therapy elevates mood and counteracts the depressing effects of cold, cloudy winter days. A mid-winter vacation to a sunny location also helps alleviate symptoms.

Other actions you can take to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of SAD include getting more natural sunlight, sitting near windows whenever possible, taking a mid-day walk during the winter months, maintaining a healthy physical and emotional attitude, and keeping busy during the fall and winter months.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements
L- Tyrosin is an amino acid that helps increase the body’s production of adrenaline and dopamine, which affect mood.

SAM-E is an amino acid that woks similar to an antidepressant.

Vitamin B Complex is important for normal function of the brain and nervous system.

Multivitamin & Multimineral supplements support general nutritional balance and is important for increasing energy.

Gold promotes a general euphoric feeling, enhances the body’s natural defenses against illness, and promotes vitality and longevity.

St. John’s Wort is very effective in treating the symptoms of SAD.

Ginkgo Biloba and Siberian Ginseng may be helpful in improving alertness.

REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.