Over the course of history many psychological disorders have been discovered by researchers. Some of them are Bipolar disorder, Depression, Anorexia, Bulimia and Addiction. Of all these disorders, one of the most common disorders is Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is characterized by recurring bouts of Depression and Sadness during the colder months of the year, along with excessive hunger, tiredness, and weight gain. SAD is usually more prevalent in Northern Climates, and can be found in up to 5 percent of the population. (Crohol) SAD is a mild disorder, which can lead to other serious psychological disorders such as Depression, Anorexia, Bulimia, and Substance Abuse (Vicki Contie). This article will outline the description, causes,
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Scientists are unsure of all the details of Winter Depression; however, they agree that people who suffer from winter depression are sensitive to low levels of sunlight. Although SAD is a seasonal disorder, it can lead to other non-seasonal disorders such as Depression and Bulimia. The intensity of SAD can vary across individuals; some individuals can suffer serious depression and suicidal thoughts, while others feel mild depression. Some scientists attribute lack of Vitamin D production by the body, which leads to increased Melanin production due to limited exposure to sunlight as the leading cause of SAD during winter months in Northern Climates. Another speculation is that the decreased physical activity during winter months might make our bodies sluggish and lead into SAD. Many people suffering from SAD often recover with the arrival of spring and warmer …show more content…
Sunlamps are LED lamps that emit a bright light akin to that of the sun. Sunlamps mimic sun exposure and Vitamin D production, which helps to decrease high levels of melanin. Unfortunately, not all individuals can get the thirty-minute exposure needed, through the use of Sunlamps. To overcome this limitation, Sunvisor was invented, which allows patients to receive sunlight exposure, even when the person is in motion; however, the Sunvisor did not produce the same results as the Sunlamp. Sunlamp therapy has proved to be massively effective, curing 70% of the cases; however, this method does not work for all patients (Contie Beat the Winter Blues). Other treatments for SAD include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and prescription of Antidepressants. CBT is a talk therapy for patients so patients can, “try to look objectively at [their thoughts] and then reframe [them] into something that’s more accurate, less negative, and maybe even a little more positive. The ‘behavioral’ part of CBT tries to teach people new behaviors to engage in when they’re feeling depressed, to help them feel better” (Dr. Kelly Rohan qtd. Beat the Winter Blues). CBT has proved to be an effective method, and a current research team is studying the benefits of CBT compared to Sunlamp therapy. Overall the treatment methods for SAD have proved to be
Scientists are unsure of all the details of Winter Depression; however, they agree that people who suffer from winter depression are sensitive to low levels of sunlight. Although SAD is a seasonal disorder, it can lead to other non-seasonal disorders such as Depression and Bulimia. The intensity of SAD can vary across individuals; some individuals can suffer serious depression and suicidal thoughts, while others feel mild depression. Some scientists attribute lack of Vitamin D production by the body, which leads to increased Melanin production due to limited exposure to sunlight as the leading cause of SAD during winter months in Northern Climates. Another speculation is that the decreased physical activity during winter months might make our bodies sluggish and lead into SAD. Many people suffering from SAD often recover with the arrival of spring and warmer …show more content…
Sunlamps are LED lamps that emit a bright light akin to that of the sun. Sunlamps mimic sun exposure and Vitamin D production, which helps to decrease high levels of melanin. Unfortunately, not all individuals can get the thirty-minute exposure needed, through the use of Sunlamps. To overcome this limitation, Sunvisor was invented, which allows patients to receive sunlight exposure, even when the person is in motion; however, the Sunvisor did not produce the same results as the Sunlamp. Sunlamp therapy has proved to be massively effective, curing 70% of the cases; however, this method does not work for all patients (Contie Beat the Winter Blues). Other treatments for SAD include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and prescription of Antidepressants. CBT is a talk therapy for patients so patients can, “try to look objectively at [their thoughts] and then reframe [them] into something that’s more accurate, less negative, and maybe even a little more positive. The ‘behavioral’ part of CBT tries to teach people new behaviors to engage in when they’re feeling depressed, to help them feel better” (Dr. Kelly Rohan qtd. Beat the Winter Blues). CBT has proved to be an effective method, and a current research team is studying the benefits of CBT compared to Sunlamp therapy. Overall the treatment methods for SAD have proved to be