FAQ - Seasonal Affective Disorder
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How do I distinguish depression from Seasonal Affective Disorder?


I was diagnosed with what my doctor said was 'seasonal affective disorder' approximately 4 years ago, I was on anti-depressant medication briefly until my mom (I was a minor at the time) decided I didn't need it anymore. The symptoms have continued ever since. I seem to be in a constant state of decline regarding my mood - how do I determine wether it is really S.A.D. and not just regular depression? It doesn't seem to occur at particular times of year, and I'm not sure if an overcast day affects it or not, I live in a rainy city so it's overcast a lot. Was the doctor wrong?
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You can have symptoms of depression with SAD even in summer months if it is overcast. People who live in areas of the world that only get sun for limited times during the day or year can sometimes experience the symptoms year round. A common treatment for SAD, in addition to meds, is to give the person a light source for the home that mimics the sun's rays. Have you ever tried this? You also might want to get a second opinion about your diagnosis.  (+ info)

what is the difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder and Bipolar II disorder?


I've been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder because I feel high durring the summer months and low durring winter. so it's not as extreme as bipolar one. But, doesn't SAD have the same symptoms??? How do can I tell if its one or the other? How can my doctor tell?
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The difference between seasonal affect and bipolar is a manic phase. Although in both one can experience periods of depressed and lightened mood, in seasonal affective disorder you would not experience mania.

So with seasonal you would have periods pf depression and periods of feeling "normal" that fluctuate with the changing seasons.

In bipolar you would have periods of depression and periods of mania (heightened self esteem, increased goal directed behavior, decreased need for sleep, etc). The changes in bipolar may or may not occur with the changing seasons.

Hope this helps.  (+ info)

Does Seasonal Affective Disorder affect sexual attraction?


Well, I'm a male teenager, and lately, I haven't been attracted to anyone for a while... So does seasonal affective disorder affect your attraction to other people? If not, is it normal for a teenager not to like anyone for a short period?
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SAD is related to depression and depression affects sexual attraction. The drugs prescribed for both these illnesses can affect sex drive etc. too. Never take a drug unless you investigate it thoroughly.  (+ info)

Does LEDs work for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder or just full spectrum?


Has LEDs been proven affective in treating SAD, if so how much is necessacary?
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You need to have full spectrum to have the results your looking for. Many studies have been done on the Alaskan inuits with regards to SAD and the effects of photo therapy. There have also been multiple studies done in several nursing homes in Oregon, Colorado and Wisconsin. Both LED and full spectrum (artificial sunlight) sources have been used in these studies and the full spectrum light source gets the results hands down while the LED gets absolutely none. As to how much, the studies that I've seen vary between 20 to 45 minutes a day to obtain moderate elevation of mood.  (+ info)

Is SAD seasonal affective disorder or social anxiety disorder?


I was thinking about this the other day. I've heard the acronym SAD for Seasonal Affective Disorder. So what would a person use to short Social Anxiety Disorder? It would also be SAD - so what d'ya do?
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Yes, the acronym applies to both. It used to be that Social Anxiety Disorder was called Social Phobia.  (+ info)

Will my seasonal affective disorder be really bad if i leave sunny colorado for grad school in WA ?


I have SAD and when it isn't spring here I am pretty bad off. I am planning on grad school for 2 yrs in WA. There is supposedly 6 months of rain. I'm kind of scared cause I have allergies and other problems and the SAD depression gets really bad. Suggestions are welcome.
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Moving to Washington wouldn't help. It rains nine months out of the year there. My aunt lives there and suffers from depression because of the weather. Maybe you could go to school in California or Florida.  (+ info)

Can Seasonal Affective Disorder and Low seretonin in Winter cause muscle aches/soreness in legs?


Since start of longer dark winter days I have been getting very restless legs, slight depression and muscle tenderness and aches at back of legs. Wondered if I had SAD and whether 5HTP could sort it.
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Depression can cause all sorts of pain. So, yes, SAD can cause leg pain. However, you may also want to get your thyroid checked.   (+ info)

What model of seasonal affective disorder clock is the best?


I'd like to buy an alarm clock that mimics the sunrise. Do you have one of these? I've seen models for Soleil and BioBrite. Are the other better models I should consider? Thanks all
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http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/02/07/depression-light.aspx

Google: "sun alarm clocks"

View http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_27.html about S.A.D.  (+ info)

If you have seasonal affective disorder should you move to some where happy and sunny?


I live in Missouri. My sister lives in California. I want to move out there because i think it will be better for me. But should i or should i just stay here? I still haven't talked to my mom about it, but if it makes me better its the right thing to do right?
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I wasn't diagnosed with SAD but I use to live in Seattle my whole life and I was getting depressed because of the rain. And I moved to Vegas a year and a half ago, it has helped. It is always sunny here!!  (+ info)

Is it possible to get Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer or spring?


I've read that SAD is called winter depression, or winter blues. Is it possible to suffer from SAD during times other than winter?
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Sometimes people get blue if it is overcast for a few days. I think there is a subgroup of people who have the OPPOSITE pattern of SAD, but you would have to research that. If you definitely get depressed in the fall or winter, and now you are having problems in spring, and you didn't just go thru a few days of overcast, your problem isn't SAD, it is something else. Major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, PMDD, borderline, etc. etc.  (+ info)

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