Compiled by Tracey Gregory,

RN

Seasonal

Affective

Disorder

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons

SAD usually begins and ends at about the same time every year.

Symptoms of Fall/Winter SAD

IrritabilityFatigue and low energyHypersensitivity to

rejectionHeavy, “leaden” feeling

in the arms or legsOversleepingAppetite changes,

carbohydrate cravingsWeight gainMore sensitive to pain

SAD Quiz

Who gets SAD?

Effects at least 12 million people a year

Location

Gender and Age

Symptoms of Spring and Summer SAD

DepressionTrouble sleeping (insomnia)Weight lossPoor appetiteAgitationAnxietyBi-polar mood

changes

Major Depression

Feeling depressed almost all day, almost everyday

Feeling hopeless, worthlessNo interest in activities you previously enjoyedlosing or gaining weightSleep disturbancesFeeling sluggish or agitatedDifficulty with concentrationThoughts of death or suicide

When to call the Dr.

If you have suicidal thoughtsSocial withdrawalSchool or work problemsSubstance abuseThe depression is significantly impacting

and/ or threatening a functional life

Circadian Rhythm

Reduced level of sunlight in fall/winterDisrupts our internal body clock

Circadian Rhythm

Biological Clock

Serotonin

Reduced sunlight can trigger a drop in serotonin

Medical History

Symptom historySymptom severityWhat improves or worsens symptomsAny other mental or physical health

conditionsSubstance AbuseFamily history of mood disorders

Testing

Physical examLab testsPsychological evaluation

Light Therapy

Example lights

Medication

Supplements-not FDA approved◦St. John’s Wort◦SAMe◦Melatonin◦Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Antidepressants◦SSRI (increase seratonin levels)◦Paxil,Prozac,Zoloft

Let it go (be honest, you saw this coming)

AcupunctureYogaMeditationGuided

ImageryMassage

Therapy

Music

Aromatherapy

Move it (move it)

Let the sun shine

Conclusion

Almost Done…

Please complete

and return

the Post-Test!

Sources

http://img.medscape.com/slide/migrated/editorial/cmecircle/2005/4316/images/rosenthal/slide020.gif

http://www.sadlightsreview.com/do-i-have-seasonal-affective-disorder-take-our-quick-quiz-and-find-out/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiIAU4xGqGs

http://www.stress.org/why-do-women-suffer-more-from-depression-and-stress/

Sources

http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/bipolar-bites/role-melatonin-sleep-and-psychiatric-disorders

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/pineal-gland-and-circadian-rhythms

http://www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression?page=2