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Many people are finding relief from the winter blues as the days become longer and temperatures permit longer outdoor excursions. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a biochemical mood disorder that affects millions of people each year. Reduced exposure to sunlight alters hormone production in some people, causing symptoms that begin in fall or winter and disappear in the spring.
Symptoms of SAD include fatigue and a desire to oversleep; inability to continue one's usual routine; overeating, especially starchy or sugary foods; and irritability. Many other symptoms of SAD are similar to those of major depression, and include feelings of guilt, hopelessness or numbness; withdrawal from social contact; loss of interest in sex; and loss of interest in other pleasurable activities. (For a more comprehensive overview of symptomology, please follow the links at the end of this article.) While it is imperative to seek the advice of a qualified health care professional for a diagnosis and treatment strategy, there are subsequent steps individuals can take to improve their well-being. Following is a distillation of results of recent research, along with longstanding advice on managing depression. Phototherapy Recent studies suggest that SAD sufferers can receive the same benefits by walking outdoors for an hour a day. Even on overcast days, natural sunlight provides enough light to help alleviate symptoms. Exercise Several studies at Duke University suggest that exercise plays a key role in recovery from depression as well as prevention of relapse. Since SAD responds to the same treatments that have been successful in relieving other types of depression, the results of these studies are relevant. In one study, researchers found that patients who engaged in brisk exercise for 30 minutes three times weekly were just as likely to experience a decrease in their depressive symptoms as patients who were treated with medication only. Researchers then followed participants for another six months, and found that those who exercised were unlikely to experience a relapse. Only 8 percent of the exercisers became depressed again. Patients who exercised and took medication relapsed at the rate of 31 percent, and those who took medication had a 38 percent relapse rate. If you don't already exercise regularly, try incorporating a brisk 30-minute walk into your day three times each week. In addition to mitigating depressive symptoms, this level of activity contributes to overall physical well-being, especially cardiovascular health. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Research leading to help for SAD sufferers in Psychology is owned by . Permission to republish Research leading to help for SAD sufferers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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