S.A.D

S.A.D Did you know that the weather could affect people's moods? Most people will understand how sometimes the rain can bring your spirits down, and a warm sunny day can lift them right up again. But for some the effect of the weather can be much more severe. S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder affects around half a million people in Europe, with numbers rising annually. It is a mood disorder specifically relating to the winter months and some health experts believe this is down to the number of daylight hours being shorter than that of the summer. Unfortunately sufferers often go undiagnosed for many years and it is not recognised until consecutive bouts of the illness over a period if several winters each with the same or similar symptoms. Recognising these symptoms may help sufferers seek treatment. Symptoms of S.A.D can be a combination of factors these can include - Disturbed sleep patterns - sleeping more than usual, finding it hard to wake up or waking early in the morning and being tired early evening. Anxiety - feeling anxious and unable to cope well under pressure or tolerate stressful situations. Lethargy - feeling tired and restless, often feeling unable to carry out daily activities. Mood Changes - sudden lows or highs can occur for some sufferers. Loss of Libido and Social Disinterest - Physical contact and intimacy can lose interest for sufferers, not wanting any closeness with friends or partner. This can also be seen reflecting in social behavioural changes i.e. not wanting to mix in social circles with friends, loss of interest in going out and interacting with others. Eating habits - habits can change dramatically from the norm, either over or under eating can become a problem with sudden weight loss or gain. Treating S.A.D varies for each Health Authority, the complexity of the symptoms and the severity of the disease. Many people ignore the symptoms and do not seek medical advice, whilst some sufferers chose to go for warmer climates during the winter months. Expensive travelling however is not an option for many sufferers and medical help is often needed. Experts in Mood disorders have shown that one of the most effective ways in which to help relieve the symptoms of SAD is through light therapy, this usually comes in the shape of a box containing a very powerful and specialised light, patients can sit for up to 1-2 hours a day and let the light penetrate their eyes. These light systems can be bought for treatment for use in the home. However some health authorities do not use light therapy as a treatment for the disease, and other treatments are recommended. Non-sedative anti-depressants can help control moods and help alleviate symptoms whilst for others counselling is a good option. Sufferers do not always require the same treatment and it is therefore always recommended to consult your doctor for a full diagnosis and prescribed the right medication. If you have concerns or are a sufferer of S.A.D you may find some of the following links of interest. OUTSIDE IN http://www.outsidein.co.uk/sadinfo.htm NOSAD http://www.nosad.org/ National Mental health Association http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm