fall into a depressive state. Illumination and darkness also have a profound affect on the sleep cycle and when one of these elements is missing, the biological clock can be disrupted. Substantial scientific evidence involving light therapy as a treatment for SAD is just beginning to be published and much is still not known about the true effects on the mind and emotions. But, patients that tend to experience some form of depression during certain times of the year will want to gather more information on this disorder and how it can be treated effectively.
Learning a few facts on SAD may help in understanding why, at certain times of the year, a depressed state occurs. Seasonal depression is actually more prevalent that most know. Perhaps this is because many who suffer cannot identify exactly what the problem is when they experience the blue mood or depressed state that goes away after a time (or change of season). Up to six percent of Americans experience SAD during the winter months. There are milder cases that affect people, but these states are not diagnosed as SAD. Experts estimate that up to twenty percent of the population may have these milder forms. Women tend to be more susceptible to this type of depression than men. Children can also suffer from the winter blues, but the elderly do not exhibit a high risk. There are also cases of a summer form of SAD, but this is a rare disorder. Those who live in high latitudes are among the highest percentages. Residents of Alaska are the most likely to experience this depressive disorder than residents who live in the Midwest. Because there is a strong latitude influential factor for this disorder, theories propose that prolonged periods of time without sunlight can affect the biological clock which determines sleep patterns, hormone levels, and regulates one's moods.
There are symptoms that can be used to determine if someone is experiencing a form of SAD. Seasonal depression can manifest itself much like any other form of depression. Withdrawing from friends and family members and wanting to spend time alone is a sign of a depressed state. Weight gain and low motivation are symptoms, as well. Victims of SAD will also tend to want to sleep more and feel fatigued for no apparent reason. When there are other contributing factors, such as a family history of mental health issues, those experiencing a form of this temporary depressed state may trigger an episode of a clinically depressed state. It is important to seek health if any of the above listed symptoms are present and the person exhibiting these symptoms lives in high latitude geographical locations. Light therapy is a simple form of treatment than can prevent this disorder from becoming an overwhelming problem.
When there is an absence of sunlight and those who are susceptible to SAD are at risk, an artificial light source can be substituted. Often, light therapy is used in a combination with prescribed antidepressants to help treat seasonal depression. This type of procedure, also called phototherapy, is used by patients for thirty minutes to an hour daily and usually in the morning. Research involving phototherapy suggests that by exposing the patient to artificial sunlight, the biological clock becomes "reset" and the body's system of elevating mood kicks in. Experts also suggest that those who live in risk zones or who spend much of the day in an office without windows, spend as much time outdoors as possible, even when the day is cloudy.
Another therapeutic component in treating SAD or any form of depression is having a personal relationship with Christ. The Bible refers to Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Those who suffer from seasonal depression can truly understand this metaphor because their bodies are a testimony of how much we need the sunlight, just like we need the light of the Son of God. "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) Christ refers to himself as not only an object that sheds truth into dark dungeons of despair so that we may see clearly, but also as a healing component for those who are ill.
Though much is still not known about SAD, there is more information available online. Those who want to consider light therapy should log on and read more about the process and safety issues. Also, speaking with a doctor about the symptoms and concerns is very important. Doctors may want to prescribe antidepressants to help lift the depression while the patient uses phototherapy. Getting informed is half of the battle, because once information is evaluated, better decisions are made. Log on and learn more about SAD and the treatment process if a family or friend is exhibiting symptoms.
Learning a few facts on SAD may help in understanding why, at certain times of the year, a depressed state occurs. Seasonal depression is actually more prevalent that most know. Perhaps this is because many who suffer cannot identify exactly what the problem is when they experience the blue mood or depressed state that goes away after a time (or change of season). Up to six percent of Americans experience SAD during the winter months. There are milder cases that affect people, but these states are not diagnosed as SAD. Experts estimate that up to twenty percent of the population may have these milder forms. Women tend to be more susceptible to this type of depression than men. Children can also suffer from the winter blues, but the elderly do not exhibit a high risk. There are also cases of a summer form of SAD, but this is a rare disorder. Those who live in high latitudes are among the highest percentages. Residents of Alaska are the most likely to experience this depressive disorder than residents who live in the Midwest. Because there is a strong latitude influential factor for this disorder, theories propose that prolonged periods of time without sunlight can affect the biological clock which determines sleep patterns, hormone levels, and regulates one's moods.
There are symptoms that can be used to determine if someone is experiencing a form of SAD. Seasonal depression can manifest itself much like any other form of depression. Withdrawing from friends and family members and wanting to spend time alone is a sign of a depressed state. Weight gain and low motivation are symptoms, as well. Victims of SAD will also tend to want to sleep more and feel fatigued for no apparent reason. When there are other contributing factors, such as a family history of mental health issues, those experiencing a form of this temporary depressed state may trigger an episode of a clinically depressed state. It is important to seek health if any of the above listed symptoms are present and the person exhibiting these symptoms lives in high latitude geographical locations. Light therapy is a simple form of treatment than can prevent this disorder from becoming an overwhelming problem.
When there is an absence of sunlight and those who are susceptible to SAD are at risk, an artificial light source can be substituted. Often, light therapy is used in a combination with prescribed antidepressants to help treat seasonal depression. This type of procedure, also called phototherapy, is used by patients for thirty minutes to an hour daily and usually in the morning. Research involving phototherapy suggests that by exposing the patient to artificial sunlight, the biological clock becomes "reset" and the body's system of elevating mood kicks in. Experts also suggest that those who live in risk zones or who spend much of the day in an office without windows, spend as much time outdoors as possible, even when the day is cloudy.
Another therapeutic component in treating SAD or any form of depression is having a personal relationship with Christ. The Bible refers to Jesus Christ as the light of the world. Those who suffer from seasonal depression can truly understand this metaphor because their bodies are a testimony of how much we need the sunlight, just like we need the light of the Son of God. "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) Christ refers to himself as not only an object that sheds truth into dark dungeons of despair so that we may see clearly, but also as a healing component for those who are ill.
Though much is still not known about SAD, there is more information available online. Those who want to consider light therapy should log on and read more about the process and safety issues. Also, speaking with a doctor about the symptoms and concerns is very important. Doctors may want to prescribe antidepressants to help lift the depression while the patient uses phototherapy. Getting informed is half of the battle, because once information is evaluated, better decisions are made. Log on and learn more about SAD and the treatment process if a family or friend is exhibiting symptoms.
0 коммент.:
Отправить комментарий