All You Need to Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder

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All You Need to Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern, is triggered by seasonal changes, typically starting in the fall or winter. It affects about 0.5 to 2.4 percent of people in the U.S., mainly women and young adults, especially those living in northern regions.

References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder
Transcript
00:00Welcome back Sunbro, we hope you all in great health and great money.
00:04Before we start, please at least subscribe so we can have little money for food and paying bills.
00:09Alright, today we are going to talk about, all you need to know about Seasonal Affective
00:14Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, a form of Major Depressive Disorder, MDD,
00:18with a seasonal pattern, is triggered by seasonal changes, typically starting in the fall or winter.
00:24It affects about 0.5 to 2.4% of people in the US, mainly women and young adults,
00:29especially those living in northern regions. 1. Symptoms
00:33SAD symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and fade by spring,
00:36though they can occur at other times. Symptoms include depression, difficulty sleeping,
00:41low energy, trouble concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. Winter patterns SAD may also cause
00:47daytime fatigue, overeating, social withdrawal, and weight gain. Summer patterns SAD can lead
00:52to agitation, insomnia, restlessness, appetite loss, weight loss, and violent behavior.
00:572. Causes The exact cause of SAD isn't known,
01:00but it's linked to changes in sunlight exposure affecting the biological clock that controls
01:04hormones, sleep, and moods. People with SAD may struggle to regulate their circadian rhythm due
01:09to abnormal levels of serotonin and melatonin. 3. Risk Factors
01:14SAD is more common in people living in regions with long winter nights and less sunlight,
01:18such as Canada and Alaska. Women, young adults, and those with a family history of SAD,
01:22bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder at higher risk.
01:264. Diagnosis A diagnosis of SAD requires symptoms of depression
01:30that occur only during a specific season for at least two consecutive years, with frequent
01:34depressive episodes during that season. If symptoms persist beyond the season,
01:38the diagnosis may be revised to bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, MDD.
01:435. Treatment SAD can be treated with counseling,
01:46medications, and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is common and helps you focus on
01:52positive thoughts and actions. Antidepressants like fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Paxil,
01:57sertraline, Zoloft, and bupropion, wellbutrin, might also help. Discuss with your doctor which
02:02medication is best for you. Although vitamin D supplements are sometimes recommended,
02:06their effectiveness is still debated. Regular exercise and sunlight exposure can also help
02:11manage symptoms. 6. Light Therapy
02:14Light therapy, using a light box for at least 30 minutes daily during winter, can replicate natural
02:18light and alleviate symptoms. However, it may cause side effects like dizziness or headaches
02:23and isn't suitable for everyone. A dawn simulator, which mimics sunrise, is another option.
02:28If SAD symptoms affect your daily life, see a doctor or mental health professional.
02:33If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate medical help or call the National
02:37Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Thanks for watching, Sunbro. Please subscribe,
02:44like, comment, and share if you find this helpful. Come again to our next meeting Sunbro.

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