Thursday, November 6, 2008

Are you SAD?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects people at this time of year as the seasons change from summer to fall and winter. Some people are affected only mildly but for others the change brings severe symptoms of irritability, fatigue, weight gain or depression. However, there are treatments that can help.

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain, thought to be brought on by the shorter days and longer nights in fall and winter. Sometimes, treatment can be as simple as spending more time outdoors in the sunlight during the fall and winter months or arranging furniture in a way that provides direct sunlight while indoors. Light therapy has been beneficial to some people who experience symptoms of SAD, while others turn to psychotherapy or even medication for help.

For more information, see CeDIR's Delicious links at:
http://delicious.com/cedir/seasonal_affective_disorder

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