$Unique_ID{BRK00039}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Seasonal Affective Disorder}
$Subject{SAD light winter depression}
$Volume{E-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Seasonal Affective Disorder


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QUESTION:  I've had it with winter!  Its getting me down and I know there must
be something you doctors have to say.  What's my problem, and how can I cure
it with out running up big medical bills?

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ANSWER:  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is the term now being used to
describe recurrent episodes of depression that occur only during fall and
winter.  The symptoms include weight gain due to increased appetite and
carbohydrate craving and over sleeping that starts in October or November and
is relieved in March or April.  Most people with SAD are women in their 30's
or older.
     SAD is responsive to light.  Most SAD sufferers have noted their
condition gets worse if they move further north, where winter is longer, and
that they feel better on sunny days or in well-lit areas.  Researchers then
found that simply having the patient sit in front of a bank of bright lights
during the day relieves the depressive symptoms of SAD.  Why bright light
works is not fully understood but it may be linked to increases in certain
hormones in the blood and brain.  The therapeutic effect is a factor of
looking at the light rather than of the light hitting the skin.
     The National Institute of Mental Health has tested phototherapy (therapy
with light) for SAD and found that 80% of 112 patients showed a significant
improvement in their depression.  For best results, the patient should sit
about three feet in front of a bank of 40 watt full-spectrum fluorescent
lights.  This is the equivalent of looking out a window on a sunny day.  The
patient should look at the lights for a few seconds every few minutes.  Most
patients are started on four hours of daily treatment in two 2-hour sessions
(the amount needed for best results varies), which should continue through
spring.
     Your medical bills may be small, but I wonder what it is going to do for
your electric bill?
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
