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What is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, sometimes called winter blues, is a disorder affecting 10% of the population in the northern part of the United States, with some regions even being higher depending on the amount of natural daylight. This disorder usually starts to affect people when the days get shorter in the fall(September) and will subside when the days get longer in the spring(May).
What causes the SAD disorder?
Decreasing sunlight in the fall of the year. The most current research tells us that the amount of light that enters the eye signals the brain to secrete several different horomones (melatonin and seretonin), which maintains our normal daily rythms. When the amount of light diminished in the fall, an unusually high amount of melatonin will be secreted in individuals that suffer from SAD. This will cause the person to fall into a cycle of depression.
What are the symptoms?
•Major Depression
•Weight Gain
•Low Energy Levels
•Sleep Disorders
•Muscular Pain(Most commonly asociated with fibromyalgia.)
•Suicidal Tendancies
•Low Self Esteem
•Problems Concentrating
What is the treatment?
While there are many forms of treatment for SAD, including antidepressants, psychotherapy, mood altering drugs, and natural remedies, such as herbal therapy. Without a bout, one of the most effective forms of treatment is light therapy.
What is light therapy?
Light therapy is the use of special fluorecent light boxes designed to give off light that is similar to the sun, yet does not have the harmful effects of the sun. The light produces between 5,000 to 10,000 lux, depending on the model. This is much brighter than the normal indoor lightt that gives off 400 lux. The sun gives off an estimated 100,000 lux. The light is placed at a distance of 12 to 24 inches away from the person using the lights. The lights come in many forms.
Who is most susceptable to getting SAD?
Women make up about 75% of the population who suffer from this disorder, while men and children make up the remaining 25%. Other factors that influence a person's tendency to suffer from SAD are living in the northern latitudes, climates with unusually overcast weather, work climates without exposure to natural light. There are many other health conditions that predispose a person to SAD, such as fibromyalgia, recent illness, or trauma. The typical onset of these symptoms are at the age of 20 to 30 years.
How to use a light box.
Place a light source that gives off 10,000 lux within 12 to 15 inches for a period of a half hour, or a 5,000 lux light for a period of one hour. Most people have excellent results with the models that put off 10,000 lux, but if eyestrain does occur, it may require a decrease in intensity for longer periods. The best response to the light therapy seems to occur when a person uses the light at the same time each day.
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