Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbearing with an estimated prevalence of 19.2% in the first three months after delivery (1). Depressive episodes (major and mild) may be experienced by approximately half of women during the first postpartum year (1). Characterized by depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, irritability, sleep and eating disturbances (2), its etiology is multi-faceted and complex (3;4).

in a SAD patient this does not occur until about two hours later. In order to

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) categorizes postpartum depression as a subtype to major depression and has specifiers to the onset to categorize an episode of major depression that begins 4 weeks postpartum. According to the (DSM-IV) a person who suffers from major depressive disorder must have depression symptoms such as either have a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. This mood must represent a change from the person 's normal social, occupational, educational or other important functioning. These functions must also be negatively impaired by the change in mood.

There are several types of depression some of them are but may not be limited to: Major Depression one is said to experience this most days of the week. Bipolar Disorder, these individuals experience mood episodes that can result in high energy to low depressive periods. Seasonal Affective Disorder is said to affect one mostly during the winter months when one is unable to obtain as much sunlight due to the days growing shorter. Postpartum Depression is a major depression that may affect some women in the weeks and months after birthing a child. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder may affect some women at the start of their menstrual cycles each month. 'Situational' Depression may affect an individual when they are having trouble managing a stressful event in their life, such as a death in the family, a divorce, or losing a job. People with psychotic depression have the symptoms of major depression along with "psychotic" symptoms. For some one having atypical depression, a positive event can temporarily improve your mood (WebMD, 2014). This disease is devastating for both the individual it affects as well as his/her environment.

Major depressive disorder is a condition when a person experiences two or more weeks of depressed mood or lack of interest in things that usually gave them pleasure not due to any drugs or other medical condition. For this condition to be present a person must show at least five signs of depression (classified as: depressed mood most of the day; diminished interest in activities; significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting; insomnia or too much sleep; lethargy; fatigue; feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; difficulty concentrating or thinking; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide). Bipolar disorder on the other hand is when an individual alternates between hopelessness and an overexcited state of mania. Mood disorders run in families. Women are at twice the risk of having depression and today we find that depression is widespread. Although the majority of depressive episodes end on their own they are usually induced by a stressful event. The risk of suicide or self-injury is higher in individuals who are

Postpartum depression: What is it, how long does it last, and does it affect children on the long run? Postpartum depression is a depression that affects woman usually during the first months after giving birth. Postpartum depression affects 1 in 5 woman. It can also affect fathers. In most cases, postpartum depression can last many years. There are 3 types of postpartum psychiatric disorders: postpartum blues, postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression. According to Health Facty, there are 10 symptoms of postpartum depression; sadness, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, crying spells, problems with memory and concentration, change in sleep cycle, altered patterns of eating, loss of libido, social withdrawal, and an enduring sense of

A hot breeze dances through the fields, and the sun shines down with golden rays of warmth. This sight is an everyday picture during the summer in Illinois, as well as much of the grain belt of the United States. Tragically, however, there is also a different picture that is all too common when the seasons change. The ground is muddy and saturated from days of rain. The sun is being held captive behind grey and black storm clouds, and the wind is howling like a dark menacing creature from a child’s nightmare. This kind of weather change, while not uncommon, still has an effect on many people. This effect is a medical problem that should not be ignored or joked about. Seasonal Depression possesses real symptoms

This paper is intended to be a critical view of Seasonal Affective Disorder. In order to understand fully the biological and psychological components of the disease, as well as its possible causes and treatments, it is necessary to compile and interpret previously conducted research. Such is the purpose of this paper. First, the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder will be explained and illustrated using data and case studies. Second, the possible causes of the disease will be outlined. Third, proposed treatments will be presented as possible solutions to this debilitating disease.

When the dark days of winter approach, people are slowed down and have difficulty waking up in the morning They are tempted to snack on holiday foods and find that the pounds will creep up on them, even as they valiantly try to diet. People can often find it difficult to focus at work or in a relationships, feel down in the dumps, or maybe even depressed. If a person says yes to any one of these criteria, than they may be experiencing a disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), or also known as the winter blues. A current study shows that the population that lives in the Northern America and European. In its very basic form, S.A.D effects 6% of all Americans suffer from this distress, Seasonality can also lead to distress, both in an individual's work and one's personal life. Over ten million Americans have suffered, or are suffering from S.A.D, and while the percentage may not seem like a large number, but it translates into over a million Americans. Though Some people may not be affected by S.A.D enough to seek medical attention, they still feel less cheerful, less energetic creative and productive during the dark winter days. The effects of the seasons on humans have been well known through the centuries to artists, poets, and songwriter. For example, Shakespeare observed that a, "sad tale's best for winter", while Keats wrote nightingale singing of summer "in full throated ease", and the singer of a modern day ballad calls his beloved the

episodes of fall/winter depression alternating with periods of spring/summer euthymia (norma l mood) or hypomania (mild elation and behavioral activation)” (2). There has been much research done to support the SAD and to find effective treatments for the annual malady such as bright light therapy. SAD generally occurs in the winter months, beginning around November and ending around March. People with symptoms of SAD differ from regular depressives in that winter depressive; have fewer suicidal tendencies, a less negative mood, fewer signs of dependency and less self-criticism. Symptoms of SAD include overeating, weight gam,

Alaskans experiences on average about five hours of sunlight during the winter months, sometimes living in Alaska during the winter can take its toll on a person. The year 1984 was when Seasonal Affective Disorder first became known in a research paper at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Seasonal Affective Disorder mainly affects people in the winter season, but can also affect people during the summer seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder is best understood as a form of depression that affects people in the winter and, less commonly, in the summer. This paper will help provide a better understanding of S.A.D. and how it affects people living in Arctic climates.

Mental health and optimal functioning are, of course, very important in any discussion of public health. Depression and more specifically Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can happen to anyone, and it is important to be treated when experiencing health problems like these. While I have never experienced seasonal depression, its temporal nature and the treatment of the disorder interest me. I researched SAD when I considered studying it as a topic for my undergraduate senior thesis. During the thesis preparation process, I looked at articles about SAD and its common used treatment of light therapy. I recently revisited one of those articles (Rossman, 2010), and the article piqued my interest in writing about how light therapy

Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) is a disorder in which people become depressed with the changing of seasons. The more northern you live the more prone you are to experience S.A.D, in comparison to someone living closer to the equator. S.A.D can affect people of all ages but mainly affects adults and more specifically it is more opt to affect women over men. The risks of having Seasonal Affective Disorder start declining after the age of 50. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be an inheritable disorder (meaning you can get it if another person in your family has/had S.A.D. in their lifetime,or previous ancestors.) Researchers have peaked interest in the gene 5-HTTLPR for expressing S.A.D conditions. Approximately 6% of people suffer from S.A.D

Depression affects a lot of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9% of American suffer from depression (Iliades). One type in particular, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD seem to roll around when the weather becomes colder, days seem shorter, and nights seem longer. According to Familydoctor.org, “Seasonal Affective Disorder affects between 4% - 6% of American while 10% to 20% experience a milder form of winter-onset SAD”. “Three out of four SAD sufferers are women. The main age of onset of SAD is between 18 and 30 years of age” ("Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)"). We have heard the term “winter blues” and people talk about being sad or depressed during the winter months. They often feel withdrawn

The topic that I chose to research is Seasonal Affective Disorder, also abbreviated as SAD. This topic is very relevant to me since I am one of those that suffer. It is very common, and most people who have it, don’t even realize it. An astounding 1 in 3 people suffer with SAD (Molloy, 2014). Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is observed within a certain period of time. This time frame is from fall to spring, and usually it is around the same time length for everyone. While often misunderstood as just “those gloomy winter days”, Seasonal Affective Disorder is very serious and if not handled correctly, can result in continued depression throughout the year. Another very important misconception, is that Seasonal Affective Disorder only affects people in the winter. Although less common, some deal with SAD in the summer months as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people nationwide and can seriously deteriorate